Bill > SB6105

This bill amends existing Washington state law to increase the amount of earnings protected from garnishment, which is the legal process of withholding a portion of a person's wages to satisfy a debt, specifically for judgments arising from medical debt. Currently, for most consumer debts, a certain amount of earnings is exempt from garnishment, calculated as the greater of 35 times the state minimum wage or 80% of disposable earnings (earnings after taxes and other mandatory deductions). This bill increases the exemption for medical debt to the greater of 60 times the state minimum wage or 80% of disposable earnings, providing greater financial protection for individuals with medical bills. It also updates the language on writs of garnishment and notices of rights to reflect this change, ensuring that debtors are properly informed about their increased protections when facing collection for medical expenses.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6105&Year=2025&Initiative=false