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Bill

SB 323

Modifying the definition of earnings to include paid compensation for wage garnishment exemption purposes.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 323 expands wage garnishment protections by broadening what counts as "earnings" to include additional forms of paid compensation beyond traditional wages.

Died in Committee
#civilprocedureandcivilactions
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 323

Legislative bill overview

SB 323 modifies Kansas law to expand what counts as "earnings" under wage garnishment exemption statutes. The bill appears to include additional forms of paid compensation—beyond traditional wages—when determining how much of a person's income is protected from creditors seizing through garnishment. This affects both the calculation of exemptions and which employees qualify for protection.

Why is this important

Wage garnishment exemptions directly impact workers' ability to meet basic living expenses when facing debt collection. Expanding the definition of earnings could protect more types of workers (gig workers, contract workers, commission-based employees) or increase the dollar amounts protected for existing workers. Conversely, it could affect creditors' ability to collect valid debts and may have implications for lending practices and interest rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope uncertainty: The bill's language isn't specified here, so it's unclear whether it includes all compensation (bonuses, tips, commissions) or specific categories, and how broadly "paid compensation" is defined
  • Creditor impact: Expanding exemptions reduces creditors' ability to recover legitimate debts, potentially increasing costs passed to consumers or reducing credit availability
  • Implementation complexity: Employers and courts must verify what qualifies as protected earnings, creating administrative burdens and potential disputes over classification of non-traditional income

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

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