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House approves bill expanding state debt-collection garnishment authority
Summary
The Utah House passed Senate Bill 116, which lets the Office of State Debt Collection issue administrative garnishments for debts tied to criminal judgments and administrative agency debts, the sponsor said, while preserving debtors' access to court processes.
The Utah House on Feb. 28 approved Senate Bill 116, expanding the Office of State Debt Collection’s administrative garnishment powers to cover debts stemming from criminal judgments and certain administrative agency debts. Representative Potter, the House sponsor, said the measure ‘‘removes red tape’’ and streamlines collections while maintaining access to the courts.
The bill, which Potter told the chamber ‘‘amends the office of state debt collections authority to issue administrative garnishments for certain debts,’’ was presented as a cost-saving efficiency that preserves due process. Potter said the change lets the office issue garnishments without first obtaining a state-court judgment for debts that arise from criminal sentencing or from administrative actions by state agencies.
After brief floor procedure, the House closed voting; the clerk announced SB116 passed the House with 64 yes votes and 1 no vote. The measure will be signed by the House speaker and transmitted back to the Senate for the president’s signature.
Supporters said the bill reduces administrative delay and cost; no extended floor debate was recorded on the House floor. Speaker and clerks handled routine referrals before the vote, and Representative Potter waived summation. The bill’s text and any implementing rulemaking were discussed in committee prior to floor action.
