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Bill

Bill

SB 5865

Concerning garnishment forms.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 3 co-sponsors

SB 5865 standardizes garnishment forms in Washington to streamline debt collection procedures and ensure uniform wage garnishment processes statewide.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · SB 5865

Legislative bill overview

SB 5865 modifies Washington state's garnishment procedures by standardizing the forms and processes creditors must use when attempting to collect debts through wage garnishment. The bill appears designed to streamline administrative requirements and ensure consistency across different types of garnishment cases.

Why is this important

Garnishment affects thousands of Washington workers annually by redirecting portions of their wages to creditors. Standardized forms can reduce legal complexity, lower compliance costs for employers and creditors, and potentially protect workers' rights by ensuring clear, uniform procedures are followed. The efficiency gains may also reduce litigation over procedural disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker protections vs. creditor access: Standardized forms might inadvertently make garnishment easier or harder depending on the specific requirements included; consumer advocates and creditor groups may disagree on the optimal form design
  • Scope of applicability: Unclear whether the bill applies to all garnishment types (wages, bank accounts, other assets) or specific categories, which could create compliance confusion
  • Implementation burden: Employers and court systems may face transition costs updating existing systems to accommodate new standardized forms, with unclear timelines for compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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