Bill > SB0307

This bill amends existing Utah law regarding fees associated with garnishment, which is a legal process where a court orders a third party (like an employer) to withhold money from a debtor's wages or assets to pay off a debt. Specifically, it changes who pays the garnishee fee, which is a fee paid to the person or entity holding the debtor's property or wages. Previously, the creditor (the person owed money) was responsible for paying this fee directly to the garnishee. Now, the bill shifts this responsibility so that the garnishee can deduct the fee from the money they are supposed to send to the creditor, provided the amount being sent is greater than the fee. If the amount to be sent is less than or equal to the fee, the garnishee will notify the creditor, and either return the garnishment order to be paid the fee (for a single garnishment) or delay sending any money until the amount owed exceeds the fee (for a continuing garnishment). The bill also clarifies the fee amounts: $10 for a single garnishment and a one-time $25 fee for a continuing garnishment. These changes apply to both administrative garnishment orders issued by state agencies and traditional writs of garnishment issued by courts. The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.