CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1552

Chapter 159, Laws of 2012

62nd Legislature
2012 Regular Session



GARNISHMENT



EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/07/12 - Except section 8, which becomes effective 01/01/18.

Passed by the House March 5, 2012
  Yeas 56   Nays 41

FRANK CHOPP
________________________________________    
Speaker of the House of Representatives


Passed by the Senate March 1, 2012
  Yeas 46   Nays 0


BRAD OWEN
________________________________________    
President of the Senate
 
CERTIFICATE

I, Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1552 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.


BARBARA BAKER
________________________________________    
Chief Clerk
Approved March 29, 2012, 6:12 p.m.








CHRISTINE GREGOIRE
________________________________________    
Governor of the State of Washington
 
FILED
March 29, 2012







Secretary of State
State of Washington


_____________________________________________ 

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1552
_____________________________________________

AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

Passed Legislature - 2012 Regular Session
State of Washington62nd Legislature2012 Regular Session

By House Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representative Goodman)

READ FIRST TIME 01/31/12.   



     AN ACT Relating to garnishment; amending RCW 6.27.010, 6.27.090, 6.27.100, 6.27.340, 6.27.110, 6.27.140, 6.27.140, 6.27.150, 6.27.190, 6.27.200, 6.27.250, 6.27.330, 6.27.350, 6.27.360, 6.27.370, 2.10.180, 2.12.090, 41.20.180, 41.28.200, 41.34.080, 41.35.100, 41.37.090, 41.40.052, 41.44.240, and 43.43.310; reenacting and amending RCW 41.32.052 and 41.26.053; adding a new section to chapter 6.27 RCW; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 6.27.010 and 2003 c 222 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) As used in this chapter, the term "earnings" means compensation paid or payable to an individual for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and includes periodic payments pursuant to a governmental or nongovernmental pension or retirement program.
     (2) As used in this chapter, the term "disposable earnings" means that part of earnings remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amounts required by law to be withheld.

Sec. 2   RCW 6.27.090 and 2000 c 72 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The writ of garnishment shall set forth in the first paragraph the amount that garnishee is required to hold, which shall be an amount determined as follows: (a)(i) If after judgment, the amount of the judgment remaining unsatisfied on the clerk of the court's execution docket, if any, plus interest to the date of garnishment, as provided in RCW 4.56.110, plus estimated interest that may accrue during the garnishment process on a per diem basis under subsection (3) of this section plus taxable costs and ((attorney's)) attorneys' fees, or (ii) if before judgment, the amount prayed for in the complaint plus estimated taxable costs of suit and attorneys' fees, together with, (b) whether before or after judgment, estimated costs of garnishment as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The court may, by order, set a higher amount to be held upon a showing of good cause by plaintiff.
     (2) Costs recoverable in garnishment proceedings, to be estimated for purposes of subsection (1) of this section, include filing and ex parte fees, service and affidavit fees, postage and costs of certified mail, answer fee or fees, other fees legally chargeable to a plaintiff in the garnishment process, and a garnishment attorney fee in the amount of the greater of ((fifty)) one hundred dollars or ten percent of (a) the amount of the judgment remaining unsatisfied or (b) the amount prayed for in the complaint. The garnishment attorney fee shall not exceed ((two)) three hundred ((fifty)) dollars.
     (3) For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the plaintiff must indicate in the writ a specific dollar amount of estimated interest that may accrue during the garnishment process per day. The amount must be based on an interest rate of twelve percent or the interest rate set forth in the judgment, whichever rate is less.

Sec. 3   RCW 6.27.100 and 2003 c 222 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((The)) A writ issued for a continuing lien on earnings shall be substantially in the form provided in section 4 of this act. All other writs of garnishment shall be substantially in the following form, but if the writ is issued under ((a court)) an order or judgment for child support, the following statement shall appear conspicuously in the caption: "This garnishment is based on a judgment or ((court)) order for child support"; and ((if the garnishment is for a continuing lien, the form shall be modified as provided in RCW 6.27.340; and if the writ is not directed to an employer for the purpose of garnishing a defendant's earnings, the paragraph relating to the earnings exemption may be omitted and the paragraph relating to the deduction of processing fees may be omitted; and)) if the writ is issued by an attorney, the writ shall be revised as indicated in subsection (2) of this section:

"IN THE . . . . . COURT
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR
THE COUNTY OF . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . , 
Plaintiff,No. . . . .
vs. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . ,WRIT OF
Defendant,GARNISHMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . , 
Garnishee
 
THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO: . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Garnishee
AND TO: . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defendant
     The above-named plaintiff has applied for a writ of garnishment against you, claiming that the above-named defendant is indebted to plaintiff and that the amount to be held to satisfy that indebtedness is $. . . . . . , consisting of:
Balance on Judgment or Amount of Claim$. . . .
Interest under Judgment from . . . . to . . . . $. . . .
Per Day Rate of Estimated Interest$. . . . per day
Taxable Costs and Attorneys' Fees$. . . .
Estimated Garnishment Costs:
 Filing and Ex Parte Fees$. . . .
 Service and Affidavit Fees$. . . .
 Postage and Costs of Certified Mail$. . . .
 Answer Fee or Fees (((If applicable)))$. . . .
 Garnishment Attorney Fee$. . . .
 Other$. . . .


     YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED, unless otherwise directed by the court, by the attorney of record for the plaintiff, or by this writ, not to pay any debt, whether earnings subject to this garnishment or any other debt, owed to the defendant at the time this writ was served and not to deliver, sell, or transfer, or recognize any sale or transfer of, any personal property or effects of the defendant in your possession or control at the time when this writ was served. Any such payment, delivery, sale, or transfer is void to the extent necessary to satisfy the plaintiff's claim and costs for this writ with interest.
     YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to answer this writ ((by filling in the attached form)) according to the instructions in this writ and in the answer forms and, within twenty days after the service of the writ upon you, to mail or deliver the original of such answer to the court, one copy to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney, and one copy to the defendant, ((in the envelopes provided)) at the addresses listed at the bottom of this writ.
     ((If, at the time this writ was served, you owed the defendant any earnings (that is, wages, salary, commission, bonus, or other compensation for personal services or any periodic payments pursuant to a nongovernmental pension or retirement program), the defendant is entitled to receive amounts that are exempt from garnishment under federal and state law. You must pay the exempt amounts to the defendant on the day you would customarily pay the compensation or other periodic payment. As more fully explained in the answer, the basic exempt amount is the greater of seventy-five percent of disposable earnings or a minimum amount determined by reference to the employee's pay period, to be calculated as provided in the answer. However, if this writ carries a statement in the heading that "This garnishment is based on a judgment or court order for child support," the basic exempt amount is forty percent of disposable earnings.
     IF THIS IS A WRIT FOR A CONTINUING LIEN ON EARNINGS, YOU MAY DEDUCT A PROCESSING FEE FROM THE REMAINDER OF THE EMPLOYEE'S EARNINGS AFTER
WITHHOLDING UNDER THIS WRIT. THE PROCESSING FEE MAY NOT EXCEED TWENTY DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST ANSWER AND TEN DOLLARS AT THE TIME YOU SUBMIT THE SECOND ANSWER.))
     If you owe the defendant a debt payable in money in excess of the amount set forth in the first paragraph of this writ, hold only the amount set forth in the first paragraph and any processing fee if one is charged and release all additional funds or property to defendant.
     IF YOU FAIL TO ANSWER THIS WRIT AS COMMANDED, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE PLAINTIFF'S CLAIM AGAINST THE DEFENDANT WITH ACCRUING INTEREST, ATTORNEY FEES, AND COSTS WHETHER OR NOT YOU OWE ANYTHING TO THE DEFENDANT. IF YOU PROPERLY ANSWER THIS WRIT, ANY JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF ANY NONEXEMPT DEBT OR THE VALUE OF ANY NONEXEMPT PROPERTY OR EFFECTS IN YOUR POSSESSION OR CONTROL.
     JUDGMENT MAY ALSO BE ENTERED AGAINST THE DEFENDANT FOR COSTS AND FEES INCURRED BY THE PLAINTIFF.

     Witness, the Honorable . . . . . . . ., Judge of the above-entitled Court, and the seal thereof, this . . . . day of . . . . . ., 20. . .

[Seal]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attorney for Plaintiff (or Plaintiff, if no attorney)Clerk of the Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressBy
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of DefendantAddress"
. . . . . . . . . . . .  
Address of Defendant 


     (2) If an attorney issues the writ of garnishment, the final paragraph of the writ, containing the date, and the subscripted attorney and clerk provisions, shall be replaced with text in substantially the following form:

     "This writ is issued by the undersigned attorney of record for plaintiff under the authority of chapter 6.27 of the Revised Code of Washington, and must be complied with in the same manner as a writ issued by the clerk of the court.

Dated this . . . . . . . . day of. . . . . . . . . . , 20. . . . . .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Attorney for Plaintiff
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address(("))Address of the Clerk of the Court"
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Defendant
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of Defendant
                    

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 6.27 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A writ that is issued for a continuing lien on earnings shall be substantially in the following form, but if the writ is issued under an order or judgment for child support, the following statement shall appear conspicuously in the caption: "This garnishment is based on a judgment or order for child support;" and if the writ is issued by an attorney, the writ shall be revised as indicated in subsection (2) of this section:

"IN THE . . . . . COURT
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR
THE COUNTY OF . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . , 
Plaintiff,No. . . . .
vs. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . ,WRIT OF
DefendantGARNISHMENT FOR
 CONTINUING LIEN ON
. . . . . . . . . . . . ,EARNINGS
Garnishee
THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO: . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garnishee
AND TO: . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defendant
     The above-named plaintiff has applied for a writ of garnishment against you, claiming that the above-named defendant is indebted to plaintiff and that the amount to be held to satisfy that indebtedness is $. . . . . . , consisting of:
Balance on Judgment or Amount of Claim$. . . .
Interest under Judgment from . . . . to . . . . $. . . .
Per Day Rate of Estimated Interest$. . . . per day
Taxable Costs and Attorneys' Fees$. . . .
Estimated Garnishment Costs:
 Filing and Ex Parte Fees$. . . .
 Service and Affidavit Fees$. . . .
 Postage and Costs of Certified Mail$. . . .
 Answer Fee or Fees$. . . .
 Garnishment Attorney Fee$. . . .
 Other$. . . .


     THIS IS A WRIT FOR A CONTINUING LIEN. THE GARNISHEE SHALL HOLD the nonexempt portion of the defendant's earnings due at the time of service of this writ and shall also hold the defendant's nonexempt earnings that accrue through the last payroll period ending on or before SIXTY days after the date of service of this writ. HOWEVER, IF THE GARNISHEE IS PRESENTLY HOLDING THE NONEXEMPT PORTION OF THE DEFENDANT'S EARNINGS UNDER A PREVIOUSLY SERVED WRIT FOR A CONTINUING LIEN, THE GARNISHEE SHALL HOLD UNDER THIS WRIT only the defendant's nonexempt earnings that accrue from the date the previously served writ or writs terminate and through the last payroll period ending on or before sixty days after the date of termination of the previous writ or writs. IN EITHER CASE, THE GARNISHEE SHALL STOP WITHHOLDING WHEN THE SUM WITHHELD EQUALS THE AMOUNT STATED IN THIS WRIT OF GARNISHMENT.
     YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED, unless otherwise directed by the court, by the attorney of record for the plaintiff, or by this writ, not to pay any debt, whether earnings subject to this garnishment or any other debt, owed to the defendant at the time this writ was served and not to deliver, sell, or transfer, or recognize any sale or transfer of, any personal property or effects of the defendant in your possession or control at the time when this writ was served. Any such payment, delivery, sale, or transfer is void to the extent necessary to satisfy the plaintiff's claim and costs for this writ with interest.
     YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to answer this writ according to the instructions in this writ and in the answer forms and, within twenty days after the service of the writ upon you, to mail or deliver the original of such answer to the court, one copy to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney, and one copy to the defendant, at the addresses listed at the bottom of this writ.
     If, at the time this writ was served, you owed the defendant any earnings (that is, wages, salary, commission, bonus, tips, or other compensation for personal services or any periodic payments pursuant to a nongovernmental pension or retirement program), the defendant is entitled to receive amounts that are exempt from garnishment under federal and state law. You must pay the exempt amounts to the defendant on the day you would customarily pay the compensation or other periodic payment. As more fully explained in the answer, the basic exempt amount is the greater of seventy-five percent of disposable earnings or a minimum amount determined by reference to the employee's pay period, to be calculated as provided in the answer. However, if this writ carries a statement in the heading that "This garnishment is based on a judgment or order for child support," the basic exempt amount is fifty percent of disposable earnings.
     YOU MAY DEDUCT A PROCESSING FEE FROM THE REMAINDER OF THE EMPLOYEE'S EARNINGS AFTER WITHHOLDING UNDER THIS WRIT. THE PROCESSING FEE MAY NOT EXCEED TWENTY DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST ANSWER AND TEN DOLLARS AT THE TIME YOU SUBMIT THE SECOND ANSWER.
     If you owe the defendant a debt payable in money in excess of the amount set forth in the first paragraph of this writ, hold only the amount set forth in the first paragraph and any processing fee if one is charged and release all additional funds or property to defendant.
     IF YOU FAIL TO ANSWER THIS WRIT AS COMMANDED, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE PLAINTIFF'S CLAIM AGAINST THE DEFENDANT WITH ACCRUING INTEREST, ATTORNEY FEES, AND COSTS WHETHER OR NOT YOU OWE ANYTHING TO THE DEFENDANT. IF YOU PROPERLY ANSWER THIS WRIT, ANY JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF ANY NONEXEMPT DEBT OR THE VALUE OF ANY NONEXEMPT PROPERTY OR EFFECTS IN YOUR POSSESSION OR CONTROL.
     JUDGMENT MAY ALSO BE ENTERED AGAINST THE DEFENDANT FOR COSTS AND FEES INCURRED BY THE PLAINTIFF.

     Witness, the Honorable . . . . . . . ., Judge of the above-entitled Court, and the seal thereof, this . . . . day of . . . . . ., 20. . .

[Seal]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attorney for Plaintiff (or Plaintiff, if no attorney)Clerk of the Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressBy
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of DefendantAddress"
. . . . . . . . . . . .  
Address of Defendant 


     (2) If an attorney issues the writ of garnishment, the final paragraph of the writ, containing the date, and the subscripted attorney and clerk provisions, shall be replaced with text in substantially the following form:

     "This writ is issued by the undersigned attorney of record for plaintiff under the authority of chapter 6.27 of the Revised Code of Washington, and must be complied with in the same manner as a writ issued by the clerk of the court.

Dated this . . . . . . . . day of. . . . . . . . . . , 20. . . . . .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Attorney for Plaintiff
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address
     
Address of the Clerk of the Court"
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Defendant
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of Defendant

Sec. 5   RCW 6.27.340 and 2003 c 222 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Service of a writ for a continuing lien shall comply fully with RCW 6.27.110.
     (2) ((The caption of the writ shall be marked "CONTINUING LIEN ON EARNINGS" and the following additional paragraph shall be included in the writ form prescribed in RCW 6.27.100:

"THIS IS A WRIT FOR A CONTINUING LIEN. THE GARNISHEE SHALL HOLD the nonexempt portion of the defendant's earnings due at the time of service of this writ and shall also hold the defendant's nonexempt earnings that accrue through the last payroll period ending on or before SIXTY days after the date of service of this writ. HOWEVER, IF THE GARNISHEE IS PRESENTLY HOLDING THE NONEXEMPT PORTION OF THE DEFENDANT'S EARNINGS UNDER A PREVIOUSLY SERVED WRIT FOR A CONTINUING LIEN, THE GARNISHEE SHALL HOLD UNDER THIS WRIT only the defendant's nonexempt earnings that accrue from the date the previously served writ or writs terminate and through the last payroll period ending on or before sixty days after the date of termination of the previous writ or writs. IN EITHER CASE, THE GARNISHEE SHALL STOP WITHHOLDING WHEN THE SUM WITHHELD EQUALS THE AMOUNT STATED IN THIS WRIT OF GARNISHMENT."


     (3) The answer forms served on an employer with the writ shall include in the caption, "ANSWER TO WRIT OF GARNISHMENT FOR CONTINUING LIEN ON EARNINGS," and the following paragraph shall be added to section I of the answer form prescribed in RCW 6.27.190:

"If you are withholding the defendant's nonexempt earnings
under a previously served writ for a continuing lien, answer only sections I and II of this form and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ. Withhold from the defendant's future nonexempt earnings as directed in the writ, and a second set of answer forms will be forwarded to you later.


ANSWER: I am presently holding the defendant's nonexempt earnings under a previous writ served on. . . . . . that will terminate not later than. . . . . . , 20. . .


  . . . . . . . . . . . .


If you are NOT withholding the defendant's earnings under a previously served writ for a continuing lien, answer this entire form and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ. A second set of answer forms will be forwarded to you later for subsequently withheld earnings.")) If the writ is directed to an employer for the purpose of garnishing the defendant's wages, the first answer shall accurately state, as of the date the writ of garnishment was issued as indicated by the date appearing on the last page of the writ, whether the defendant was employed by the garnishee defendant (and if not the date employment terminated), whether the defendant's earnings were subject to a preexisting writ of garnishment for continuing liens on earnings (and if so the date such writ will terminate and the current writ will be enforced), whether the defendant maintained a financial account with garnishee, and whether the garnishee defendant had possession of or control over any funds, personal property, or effects of the defendant (and if so the garnishee defendant shall list all of defendant's personal property or effects in its possession or control). The first answer shall further accurately state, as of the time of service of the writ of garnishment on the garnishee defendant, the amount due and owing from the garnishee defendant to the defendant, and the defendant's total earnings, allowable deductions, disposable earnings, exempt
earnings, deductions for superior liens such as child support, and net earnings withheld under the writ. The first answer may be substantially in the following form:
     

IN THE . . . . . COURT
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR
THE COUNTY OF . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . ,NO. . . . . .
Plaintiff, 
vs.FIRST ANSWER
. . . . . . . . . . . . ,TO WRIT OF
Defendant,GARNISHMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . FOR CONTINUING LIEN
Garnishee Defendant
ON EARNINGS


SECTION I. If you are withholding the defendant's nonexempt earnings under a previously served writ for a continuing lien, answer only sections I and III of this form and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ. Withhold from the defendant's future nonexempt earnings as directed in the writ, and a second set of answer forms will be forwarded to you later.


If you are NOT withholding the defendant's earnings under a previously served writ for a continuing lien, answer this ENTIRE form and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ. A second set of answer forms will be forwarded to you later for subsequently withheld earnings.


ANSWER: I am presently holding the defendant's nonexempt earnings under a previous writ served on . . . . . . that will terminate not later than . . . . ., 20 . . .


On the date the writ of garnishment was issued as indicated by the date appearing on the last page of the writ:

(A) The defendant: (check one) [ ] was, [ ] was not employed by garnishee. If not employed and you have no possession or
control of any funds of defendant, indicate the last day of employment: . . . . . . .; and complete section III of this answer and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ;

(B) The defendant: (check one) [ ] did, [ ] did not maintain a financial account with garnishee; and

(C) The garnishee: (check one) [ ] did, [ ] did not have possession of or control over any funds, personal property, or effects of the defendant. (List all of defendant's personal property or effects in your possession or control on the last page of this answer form or attach a schedule if necessary.)


SECTION II. At the time of service of the writ of garnishment on the garnishee there was due and owing from the garnishee to the above-named defendant $ . . . . .

This writ attaches a maximum of . . . . percent of the defendant's disposable earnings (that is, compensation payable for personal services, whether called wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and including periodic payments pursuant to a nongovernmental pension or retirement program).


Calculate the attachable amount as follows:

Gross Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (1)

Less deductions required by law (social security,

federal withholding tax, etc. Do not include

deductions for child support orders or government

liens here. Deduct child support orders and liens

on line 7): . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (2)

Disposable Earnings (subtract line 2 from

line 1): . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (3)

Enter . . . . percent of line 3: . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (4)

Enter one of the following exempt amounts*: . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (5)


     If paid:Weekly$. . . . . Semi-monthly$. . . . .
Bi-weekly$. . . . . Monthly$. . . . .


*These are minimum exempt amounts that the

defendant must be paid. If your answer

covers more than one pay period, multiply

the preceding amount by the number of pay

periods and/or fraction thereof your answer

covers. If you use a pay period not shown,

prorate the monthly exempt amount.

Subtract the larger of lines 4 and 5 from

line 3: . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (6)

Enter amount (if any) withheld for ongoing

government liens such as child support: . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (7)

Subtract line 7 from line 6. This amount

must be held out for the plaintiff: . . . . . . . . . . . . $. . . . . . . . (8)


This is the formula that you will use for withholding each pay period over the required sixty day garnishment period. Deduct any allowable processing fee you may charge from the amount that is to be paid to the defendant.


If there is any uncertainty about your answer, give an explanation on the last page or on an attached page.


SECTION III. An attorney may answer for the garnishee.

Under penalty of perjury, I affirm that I have examined this answer, including accompanying schedules, and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct, and complete.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signature ofDate
Garnishee Defendant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signature of PersonConnection with
Answering forGarnishee
Garnishee
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Name of Person Signing . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of Garnishee


     (3) Prior to serving the answer forms for a writ for continuing lien on earnings, the plaintiff shall fill in the minimum exemption amounts for the different pay periods, and the maximum percentages of disposable earnings subject to lien and exempt from lien.
     (4) In the event plaintiff fails to comply with this section, employer may elect to treat the garnishment as one not creating a continuing lien.

Sec. 6   RCW 6.27.110 and 1998 c 227 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Service of the writ of garnishment, including a writ for continuing lien on earnings, on the garnishee is invalid unless the writ is served together with: (a) ((Four)) An answer form((s)) as prescribed in RCW 6.27.190; and (b) ((three stamped envelopes addressed respectively to the clerk of the court issuing the writ, the attorney for the plaintiff (or to the plaintiff if the plaintiff has no attorney), and the defendant; and (c))) a check or money order made payable to the garnishee in the amount of twenty dollars for the answer fee if the writ of garnishment is not a writ for a continuing lien on earnings.
     (2) Except as provided in RCW 6.27.080 for service on a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union, the writ of garnishment shall be mailed to the garnishee by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed in the same manner as a summons in a civil action, and will be binding upon the garnishee on the day set forth on the return receipt. In the alternative, the writ shall be served by the sheriff of the county in which the garnishee lives or has its place of business or by any person qualified to serve process in the same manner as a summons in a civil action is served.
     (3) If a writ of garnishment is served by a sheriff, the sheriff shall file with the clerk of the court that issued the writ a signed return showing the time, place, and manner of service and that the writ was accompanied by an answer form((s, addressed envelopes)), and check or money order if required by this section, and noting thereon fees for making the service. If service is made by any person other than a sheriff, such person shall file an affidavit including the same information and showing qualifications to make such service. If a writ of garnishment is served by mail, the person making the mailing shall file an affidavit showing the time, place, and manner of mailing and that the writ was accompanied by an answer form((s and addressed envelopes)), and check or money order if required by this section, and shall attach the return receipt or electronic return receipt delivery confirmation to the affidavit.

Sec. 7   RCW 6.27.140 and 2011 c 162 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The notice required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, printed or typed in ((type)) no smaller than ((elite type)) size twelve point font type:

NOTICE OF GARNISHMENT

AND OF YOUR RIGHTS

A Writ of Garnishment issued in a Washington court has been or will be served on the garnishee named in the attached copy of the writ. After receipt of the writ, the garnishee is required to withhold payment of any money that was due to you and to withhold any other property of yours that the garnishee held or controlled. This notice of your rights is required by law.


YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXEMPTION RIGHTS:


WAGES. If the garnishee is your employer who owes wages or other personal earnings to you, your employer is required to pay amounts to you that are exempt under state and federal laws, as explained in the writ of garnishment. You should receive a copy of your employer's answer, which will show how the exempt amount was calculated. If the garnishment is for child support, the exempt amount paid to you will be ((forty)) a percent of ((wages due you, but if you are supporting a spouse, state registered domestic partner, or dependent child, you are entitled to claim an additional ten percent as exempt)) your disposable earnings, which is fifty percent of that part of your earnings remaining after your employer deducts those amounts which are required by law to be withheld.


BANK ACCOUNTS. If the garnishee is a bank or other institution with which you have an account in which you have deposited benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, veterans' benefits, unemployment compensation, or ((a United States pension)) any federally qualified pension, such as a state or
federal pension, individual retirement account (IRA), or 401K plan, you may claim the account as fully exempt if you have deposited only such benefit funds in the account. It may be partially exempt even though you have deposited money from other sources in the same account. An exemption is also available under RCW 26.16.200, providing that funds in a community bank account that can be identified as the earnings of a stepparent are exempt from a garnishment on the child support obligation of the parent.


OTHER EXEMPTIONS. If the garnishee holds other property of yours, some or all of it may be exempt under RCW 6.15.010, a Washington statute that exempts certain property of your choice (including money in a bank account up to $200.00 for debts owed to state agencies, or up to $500.00 for all other debts) and certain other property such as household furnishings, tools of trade, and a motor vehicle (all limited by differing dollar values).


HOW TO CLAIM EXEMPTIONS. Fill out the enclosed claim form and mail or deliver it as described in instructions on the claim form. If the plaintiff does not object to your claim, the funds or other property that you have claimed as exempt must be released not later than 10 days after the plaintiff receives your claim form. If the plaintiff objects, the law requires a hearing not later than 14 days after the plaintiff receives your claim form, and notice of the objection and hearing date will be mailed to you at the address that you put on the claim form.


THE LAW ALSO PROVIDES OTHER EXEMPTION RIGHTS. IF NECESSARY, AN ATTORNEY CAN ASSIST YOU TO ASSERT THESE AND OTHER RIGHTS, BUT YOU MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID LOSS OF RIGHTS BY DELAY.


     (2)(a) If the writ is to garnish funds or property held by a financial institution, the claim form required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, printed or typed in ((type)) no smaller than ((elite type)) size twelve point font type:

[Caption to be filled in by judgment creditor
or plaintiff before mailing.]
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . No. . . . . .
Plaintiff,
vs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . EXEMPTION CLAIM
Defendant,
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Garnishee Defendant
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Read this whole form after reading the enclosed notice. Then put an X in the box or boxes that describe your exemption claim or claims and write in the necessary information on the blank lines. If additional space is needed, use the bottom of the last page or attach another sheet.
2.Make two copies of the completed form. Deliver the original form by first-class mail or in person to the clerk of the court, whose address is shown at the bottom of the writ of garnishment. Deliver one of the copies by first-class mail or in person to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney, whose name and address are shown at the bottom of the writ. Keep the other copy. YOU SHOULD DO THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 28 DAYS (4 WEEKS) AFTER THE DATE ON THE WRIT.
I/We claim the following money or property as exempt:
IF BANK ACCOUNT IS GARNISHED:
[ ] The account contains payments from:
[ ]Temporary assistance for needy families, SSI, or other public assistance. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Social Security. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Veterans' Benefits. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Pensions and retirement accounts including, but not limited to, U.S. Government Pension, federally qualified pension, individual retirement account (IRA), 401K, 403(b), and any state retirement system listed in RCW 41.50.030. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Unemployment Compensation. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Child support. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Other. Explain . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
[ ]$200 exemption if debt is to state agency.
[ ]$500 exemption for all other debts.
IF EXEMPTION IN BANK ACCOUNT IS CLAIMED, ANSWER ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:
[ ]No money other than from above payments are in the account.
[ ]Moneys in addition to the above payments have been deposited in the account. Explain . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
((IF EARNINGS ARE GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT:
[ ]I claim maximum exemption.
[ ]I am supporting another child or other children.
[ ]I am supporting a husband, wife, or state registered domestic partner.
IF PENSION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS ARE GARNISHED:
[ ]Name and address of employer who is paying the
benefits: . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . ))
OTHER PROPERTY:
[ ]Describe property . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
(If you claim other personal property as exempt, you must attach a list of all other personal property that you own.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print: Your nameIf married or in a state registered domestic partnership,
 name of husband/wife/state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your signatureSignature of husband,
 wife, or state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressAddress
 (if different from yours)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone numberTelephone number
 (if different from yours)


     CAUTION: If the plaintiff objects to your claim, you will have to go to court and give proof of your claim. For example, if you claim that a bank account is exempt, you may have to show the judge your bank statements and papers that show the source of the money you deposited in the bank. Your claim may be granted more quickly if you attach copies of such proof to your claim.

IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR EXEMPTION CLAIM, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S COSTS. IF THE JUDGE DECIDES THAT YOU DID NOT MAKE THE CLAIM IN GOOD FAITH, HE OR SHE MAY DECIDE THAT YOU MUST PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY FEES.
     (b) If the writ is directed to an employer to garnish earnings, the claim form required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, subject to (c) of this subsection, printed or typed in no smaller than size twelve point font type:

[Caption to be filled in by judgment creditor
or plaintiff before mailing.]
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . No. . . . . .
Plaintiff,
vs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . EXEMPTION CLAIM
Defendant,
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Garnishee Defendant
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Read this whole form after reading the enclosed notice. Then put an X in the box or boxes that describe your exemption claim or claims and write in the necessary information on the blank lines. If additional space is needed, use the bottom of the last page or attach another sheet.
2.Make two copies of the completed form. Deliver the original form by first-class mail or in person to the clerk of the court, whose address is shown at the bottom of the writ of garnishment. Deliver one of the copies by first-class mail or in person to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney, whose name and address are shown at the bottom of the writ. Keep the other copy. YOU SHOULD DO THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 28 DAYS (4 WEEKS) AFTER THE DATE ON THE WRIT.
I/We claim the following money or property as exempt:




IF PENSION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS ARE GARNISHED:
[ ]Name and address of employer who is paying the
benefits: . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
IF EARNINGS ARE GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT:
[ ]I claim maximum exemption.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print: Your nameIf married or in a state registered domestic partnership,
name of husband/wife/state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your signatureSignature of husband,
wife, or state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressAddress
(if different from yours)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone numberTelephone number
(if different from yours)


     CAUTION: If the plaintiff objects to your claim, you will have to go to court and give proof of your claim. For example, if you claim that a bank account is exempt, you may have to show the judge your bank statements and papers that show the source of the money you deposited in the bank. Your claim may be granted more quickly if you attach copies of such proof to your claim.

IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR EXEMPTION CLAIM, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S COSTS. IF THE JUDGE DECIDES THAT YOU DID NOT MAKE THE CLAIM IN GOOD FAITH, HE OR SHE MAY DECIDE THAT YOU MUST PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY FEES.


     (c) If the writ under (b) of this subsection is not a writ for the collection of child support, the exemption language pertaining to child support may be omitted.

Sec. 8   RCW 6.27.140 and 2011 c 162 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The notice required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, printed or typed in ((type)) no smaller than ((elite type)) size twelve point font:


                    NOTICE OF GARNISHMENT
                         AND OF YOUR RIGHTS


A Writ of Garnishment issued in a Washington court has been or will be served on the garnishee named in the attached copy of the writ. After receipt of the writ, the garnishee is required to withhold payment of any money that was due to you and to withhold any other property of yours that the garnishee held or controlled. This notice of your rights is required by law.


YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXEMPTION RIGHTS:


WAGES. If the garnishee is your employer who owes wages or other personal earnings to you, your employer is required to pay amounts to you that are exempt under state and federal laws, as explained in the writ of garnishment. You should receive a copy of your employer's answer, which will show how the exempt amount was calculated. If the garnishment is for child support, the exempt amount paid to you will be ((forty)) a percent of ((wages due you, but if you are supporting a spouse, state registered domestic partner, or dependent child, you are entitled to claim an additional ten percent as exempt))
your disposable earnings, which is fifty percent of that part of your earnings remaining after your employer deducts those amounts which are required by law to be withheld.


BANK ACCOUNTS. If the garnishee is a bank or other institution with which you have an account in which you have deposited benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, veterans' benefits, unemployment compensation, or ((a United States pension)) any federally qualified pension, such as a state or federal pension, individual retirement account (IRA), or 401K plan, you may claim the account as fully exempt if you have deposited only such benefit funds in the account. It may be partially exempt even though you have deposited money from other sources in the same account. An exemption is also available under RCW 26.16.200, providing that funds in a community bank account that can be identified as the earnings of a stepparent are exempt from a garnishment on the child support obligation of the parent.


OTHER EXEMPTIONS. If the garnishee holds other property of yours, some or all of it may be exempt under RCW 6.15.010, a Washington statute that exempts certain property of your choice (including up to $500.00 in a bank account) and certain other property such as household furnishings, tools of trade, and a motor vehicle (all limited by differing dollar values).


HOW TO CLAIM EXEMPTIONS. Fill out the enclosed claim form and mail or deliver it as described in instructions on the claim form. If the plaintiff does not object to your claim, the funds or other property that you have claimed as exempt must be released not later than 10 days after the plaintiff receives your claim form. If the plaintiff objects, the law requires a hearing not later than 14 days after the plaintiff receives your claim form, and notice of the objection and hearing date will be mailed to you at the address that you put on the claim form.


THE LAW ALSO PROVIDES OTHER EXEMPTION RIGHTS. IF NECESSARY, AN
ATTORNEY CAN ASSIST YOU TO ASSERT THESE AND OTHER RIGHTS, BUT YOU MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID LOSS OF RIGHTS BY DELAY.


     (2)(a) If the writ is to garnish funds or property held by a financial institution, the claim form required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, printed or typed in ((type)) no smaller than ((elite type)) size twelve point font:

[Caption to be filled in by judgment creditor
or plaintiff before mailing.]
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . No. . . . . .
Plaintiff,
vs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . EXEMPTION CLAIM
Defendant,
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Garnishee Defendant
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Read this whole form after reading the enclosed notice. Then put an X in the box or boxes that describe your exemption claim or claims and write in the necessary information on the blank lines. If additional space is needed, use the bottom of the last page or attach another sheet.
2.Make two copies of the completed form. Deliver the original form by first-class mail or in person to the clerk of the court, whose address is shown at the bottom of the writ of garnishment. Deliver one of the copies by first-class mail or in person to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney, whose name and address are shown at the bottom of the writ. Keep the other copy. YOU SHOULD DO THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 28 DAYS (4 WEEKS) AFTER THE DATE ON THE WRIT.
I/We claim the following money or property as exempt:
IF BANK ACCOUNT IS GARNISHED:
[ ] The account contains payments from:
[ ]Temporary assistance for needy families, SSI, or other public assistance. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Social Security. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Veterans' Benefits. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]((U.S. Government Pension.)) Federally qualified pension, such as a state or federal pension, individual retirement account (IRA), or 401K plan. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Unemployment Compensation. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Child support. I receive $. . . . . monthly.
[ ]Other. Explain . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
IF EXEMPTION IN BANK ACCOUNT IS CLAIMED, ANSWER ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:
[ ]No money other than from above payments are in the account.
[ ]Moneys in addition to the above payments have been deposited in the account. Explain . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
((IF EARNINGS ARE GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT:
[ ]I claim maximum exemption.
[ ]I am supporting another child or other children.
[ ]I am supporting a husband, wife, or state registered domestic partner.
IF PENSION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS ARE GARNISHED:
[ ]Name and address of employer who is paying the
benefits: . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . ))
OTHER PROPERTY:
[ ]Describe property . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
(If you claim other personal property as exempt, you must attach a list of all other personal property that you own.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print: Your nameIf married or in a state registered domestic partnership,
 name of husband/wife/state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your signatureSignature of husband,
 wife, or state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressAddress
 (if different from yours)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone numberTelephone number
 (if different from yours)


     CAUTION: If the plaintiff objects to your claim, you will have to go to court and give proof of your claim. For example, if you claim that a bank account is exempt, you may have to show the judge your bank statements and papers that show the source of the money you deposited in the bank. Your claim may be granted more quickly if you attach copies of such proof to your claim.

IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR EXEMPTION CLAIM, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S COSTS. IF THE JUDGE DECIDES THAT YOU DID NOT MAKE THE CLAIM IN GOOD FAITH, HE OR SHE MAY DECIDE THAT YOU MUST PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY FEES.
     (b) If the writ is directed to an employer to garnish earnings, the claim form required by RCW 6.27.130(1) to be mailed to or served on an individual judgment debtor shall be in the following form, subject to (c) of this subsection, printed or typed in no smaller than size twelve point font type:

[Caption to be filled in by judgment creditor
or plaintiff before mailing.]
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Court
. . . . . . . . . . . . No. . . . . .
Plaintiff,
vs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . EXEMPTION CLAIM
Defendant,
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Garnishee Defendant
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Read this whole form after reading the enclosed notice. Then put an X in the box or boxes that describe your exemption claim or claims and write in the necessary information on the blank lines. If additional space is needed, use the bottom of the last page or attach another sheet.
2.Make two copies of the completed form. Deliver the original form by first-class mail or in person to the clerk of the court, whose address is shown at the bottom of the writ of garnishment. Deliver one of the copies by first-class mail or in person to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney, whose name and address are shown at the bottom of the writ. Keep the other copy. YOU SHOULD DO THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 28 DAYS (4 WEEKS) AFTER THE DATE ON THE WRIT.
I/We claim the following money or property as exempt:




IF PENSION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS ARE GARNISHED:
[ ]Name and address of employer who is paying the
benefits: . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
IF EARNINGS ARE GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT:
[ ]I claim maximum exemption.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print: Your nameIf married or in a state registered domestic partnership,
name of husband/wife/state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your signatureSignature of husband,
wife, or state registered domestic partner
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddressAddress
(if different from yours)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone numberTelephone number
(if different from yours)


     CAUTION: If the plaintiff objects to your claim, you will have to go to court and give proof of your claim. For example, if you claim that a bank account is exempt, you may have to show the judge your bank statements and papers that show the source of the money you deposited in the bank. Your claim may be granted more quickly if you attach copies of such proof to your claim.

IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR EXEMPTION CLAIM, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S COSTS. IF THE JUDGE DECIDES THAT YOU DID NOT MAKE THE CLAIM IN GOOD FAITH, HE OR SHE MAY DECIDE THAT YOU MUST PAY THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY FEES.


     (c) If the writ under (b) of this subsection is not a writ for the collection of child support, the exemption language pertaining to child support may be omitted.

Sec. 9   RCW 6.27.150 and 1991 c 365 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, if the garnishee is an employer owing the defendant earnings, then for each week of such earnings, an amount shall be exempt from garnishment which is the greatest of the following:
     (a) Thirty-five times the federal minimum hourly wage ((prescribed by section 206(a)(1) of Title 29 of the United States Code)) in effect at the time the earnings are payable; or
     (b) Seventy-five percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
     (2) In the case of a garnishment based on a judgment or other ((court)) order for child support or court order for spousal maintenance, other than a mandatory wage assignment order pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, or a mandatory assignment of retirement benefits pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, the exemption shall be fifty percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant ((if the individual is supporting a spouse or dependent child (other than a spouse or child on whose behalf the garnishment is brought), or forty percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant if the individual is not supporting such a spouse or dependent child)).
     (3) The exemptions stated in this section shall apply whether such earnings are paid, or are to be paid, weekly, monthly, or at other intervals, and whether earnings are due the defendant for one week, a portion thereof, or for a longer period.
     (4) Unless directed otherwise by the court, the garnishee shall determine and deduct exempt amounts under this section as directed in the writ of garnishment and answer, and shall pay these amounts to the defendant.
     (5) No money due or earned as earnings as defined in RCW 6.27.010 shall be exempt from garnishment under the provisions of RCW 6.15.010, as now or hereafter amended.

Sec. 10   RCW 6.27.190 and 2003 c 222 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The answer of the garnishee shall be signed by the garnishee or attorney or if the garnishee is a corporation, by an officer, attorney or duly authorized agent of the garnishee, under penalty of perjury, and the original and copies delivered, either personally or by mail, ((to the clerk of the court, one copy to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney, and one copy to the defendant. The answer shall be made on a form substantially as appears in this section, served on the garnishee with the writ. Prior to serving the answer forms for a writ for continuing lien on earnings, the plaintiff shall fill in the minimum exemption amounts for the different pay periods, and the maximum percentages of disposable earnings subject to lien and exempt from lien)) as instructed in the writ.
     (2) If the writ of garnishment is for a continuing lien, the answer forms shall be as prescribed in RCW 6.27.340 and 6.27.350.
     (3) If the writ is not directed to an employer for the purpose of garnishing the defendant's wages, the ((paragraphs in section II of the answer relating to earnings and calculations of withheld amounts may be omitted.)) answer shall be substantially in the following form:

IN THE . . . . . COURT
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR
THE COUNTY OF . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . NO. . . . . .
Plaintiff 
vs.ANSWER
. . . . . . . . . . . . TO WRIT OF
DefendantGARNISHMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . .  
Garnishee Defendant
 

     SECTION I. On the date the writ of garnishment was issued as indicated by the date appearing on the last page of the writ:
(A) The defendant: (check one) . . . . was, . . . . was not employed by garnishee. If not employed and you have no possession or control of any funds of defendant, indicate the last day of employment: . . . . . . .; and complete section III of this answer and mail or deliver the forms as directed in the writ;
(B) The defendant: (check one) . . . . did, . . . . did not maintain a financial account with garnishee; and
(C) The garnishee: (check one) . . . . did, . . . . did not have possession of or control over any funds, personal property, or effects of the defendant. (List all of defendant's personal property or effects in your possession or control on the last page of this answer form or attach a schedule if necessary.)

     SECTION II. At the time of service of the writ of garnishment on the garnishee there was due and owing from the garnishee to the above-named defendant $ . . . . .
     ((This writ attaches a maximum of . . . . percent of the defendant's disposable earnings (that is, compensation payable for personal services, whether called wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and including periodic payments pursuant to a nongovernmental pension or retirement program). Calculate the attachable amount as follows:

Gross Earnings       $. . . . . . . . (1)

Less deductions required by law (social security,
federal withholding tax, etc. Do not include
deductions for child support orders or government
liens here. Deduct child support orders and liens
on line 7):       $. . . . . . . . (2)

Disposable Earnings (subtract line 2 from
line 1):       $. . . . . . . . (3)

Enter . . . . percent of line 3:       $. . . . . . . . (4)

Enter one of the following exempt amounts*:       $. . . . . . . . (5)


If paid:Weekly$. . . . . Semi-monthly$. . . . .
Bi-weekly$. . . . . Monthly$. . . . .

*These are minimum exempt amounts that the
defendant must be paid. If your answer
covers more than one pay period, multiply
the preceding amount by the number of pay
periods and/or fraction thereof your answer
covers. If you use a pay period not shown,
prorate the monthly exempt amount.

Subtract the larger of lines 4 and 5 from
line 3:       $. . . . . . . . (6)

Enter amount (if any) withheld for ongoing
government liens such as child support:       $. . . . . . . . (7)

Subtract line 7 from line 6. This amount
must be held out for the plaintiff:       $. . . . . . . . (8)

This is the formula that you will use for withholding each pay period over the required sixty-day garnishment period. Deduct any allowable processing fee you may charge from the amount that is to be paid to the defendant.
))

     If there is any uncertainty about your answer, give an explanation on the last page or on an attached page.

     SECTION III. An attorney may answer for the garnishee.
     Under penalty of perjury, I affirm that I have examined this answer, including accompanying schedules, and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct, and complete.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signature ofDate
Garnishee Defendant 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signature of personConnection with
answering forgarnishee
garnishee 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print name of person signing . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of garnishee

Sec. 11   RCW 6.27.200 and 2003 c 222 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     If the garnishee fails to answer the writ within the time prescribed in the writ, after the time to answer the writ has expired and after required returns or affidavits have been filed, showing service on the garnishee and service on or mailing to the defendant, it shall be lawful for the court to render judgment by default against such garnishee, after providing a notice to the garnishee by personal service or first-class mail deposited in the mail at least ten calendar days prior to entry of the judgment, for the full amount claimed by the plaintiff against the defendant, or in case the plaintiff has a judgment against the defendant, for the full amount of the plaintiff's unpaid judgment against the defendant with all accruing interest and costs as prescribed in RCW 6.27.090: PROVIDED, That upon motion by the garnishee at any time within seven days following service on, or mailing to, the garnishee of a copy of the first writ of execution or writ of garnishment under such judgment, the judgment against the garnishee shall be reduced to the amount of any nonexempt funds or property which was actually in the possession of the garnishee at the time the writ was served, plus the cumulative amount of the nonexempt earnings subject to the lien provided for in RCW 6.27.350, or the sum of one hundred dollars, whichever is more, but in no event to exceed the full amount claimed by the plaintiff or the amount of the unpaid judgment against the principal defendant ((plus)) with all accruing interest and costs and attorney's fees as prescribed in RCW 6.27.090, plus the accruing interest and costs and attorneys' fees as prescribed in RCW 6.27.090 for any garnishment on the judgment against the garnishee, and in addition the plaintiff shall be entitled to a reasonable attorney's fee for the plaintiff's response to the garnishee's motion to reduce said judgment against the garnishee under this proviso and the court may allow additional attorney's fees for other actions taken because of the garnishee's failure to answer.

Sec. 12   RCW 6.27.250 and 2003 c 222 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) If it appears from the answer of the garnishee or if it is otherwise made to appear that the garnishee was indebted to the defendant in any amount, not exempt, when the writ of garnishment was served, and if the required return or affidavit showing service on or mailing to the defendant is on file, the court shall render judgment for the plaintiff against such garnishee for the amount so admitted or found to be due to the defendant from the garnishee, unless such amount exceeds the amount of the plaintiff's claim or judgment against the defendant with accruing interest and costs and attorney's fees as prescribed in RCW 6.27.090, in which case it shall be for the amount of such claim or judgment, with said interest, costs, and fees. If there is no unresolved exemption claim and no controversion, the plaintiff may apply for the judgment and order to pay ex parte. In the case of a superior court garnishment, the court shall order the garnishee to pay to the plaintiff or to the plaintiff's attorney through the registry of the court the amount of the judgment against the garnishee, the clerk of the court shall note receipt of any such payment, and the clerk of the court shall disburse the payment to the plaintiff. In the case of a district court garnishment, the court shall order the garnishee to pay the judgment amount directly to the plaintiff or to the plaintiff's attorney. In either case, the court shall inform the garnishee that failure to pay the amount may result in execution of the judgment, including garnishment.
     (b) If, prior to judgment, the garnishee tenders to the plaintiff or to the plaintiff's attorney or to the court any amounts due, such tender will support judgment against the garnishee in the amount so tendered, subject to any exemption claimed within the time required in RCW 6.27.160 after the amounts are tendered, and subject to any controversion filed within the time required in RCW 6.27.210 after the amounts are tendered. Any amounts tendered to the court by or on behalf of the garnishee or the defendant prior to judgment shall be disbursed to the party entitled to same upon entry of judgment or order, and any amounts so tendered after entry of judgment or order shall be disbursed upon receipt to the party entitled to same.
     (2) If it shall appear from the answer of the garnishee and the same is not controverted, or if it shall appear from the hearing or trial on controversion or by stipulation of the parties that the garnishee is indebted to the principal defendant in any sum, but that such indebtedness is not matured and is not due and payable, and if the required return or affidavit showing service on or mailing to the defendant is on file, the court shall make an order requiring the garnishee to pay such sum into court when the same becomes due, the date when such payment is to be made to be specified in the order, and in default thereof that judgment shall be entered against the garnishee for the amount of such indebtedness so admitted or found due. In case the garnishee pays the sum at the time specified in the order, the payment shall operate as a discharge, otherwise judgment shall be entered against the garnishee for the amount of such indebtedness, which judgment shall have the same force and effect, and be enforced in the same manner as other judgments entered against garnishees as provided in this chapter: PROVIDED, That if judgment is rendered in favor of the principal defendant, or if any judgment rendered against the principal defendant is satisfied prior to the date of payment specified in an order of payment entered under this subsection, the garnishee shall not be required to make the payment, nor shall any judgment in such case be entered against the garnishee.
     (3) The court shall, upon request of the plaintiff at the time judgment is rendered against the garnishee or within one year thereafter, or within one year after service of the writ on the garnishee if no judgment is taken against the garnishee, render judgment against the defendant for recoverable garnishment costs and attorney fees. However, if it appears from the answer of garnishee or otherwise that, at the time the writ was issued, the garnishee held no funds, personal property, or effects of the defendant and, in the case of a garnishment on earnings, the defendant was not employed by the garnishee, or, in the case of a writ directed to a financial institution, the defendant maintained no account therein, then the plaintiff may not be awarded judgment against the defendant for such costs or attorney fees.

Sec. 13   RCW 6.27.330 and 1987 c 442 s 1032 are each amended to read as follows:
     A judgment creditor may obtain a continuing lien on earnings by a garnishment pursuant to ((RCW 6.27.340, 6.27.350, 6.27.360, and 7.33.390)) this chapter.

Sec. 14   RCW 6.27.350 and 2003 c 222 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Where the garnishee's answer to a garnishment for a continuing lien reflects that the defendant is employed by the garnishee, the judgment or balance due thereon as reflected on the writ of garnishment shall become a lien on earnings due at the time of the effective date of the writ, as defined in this subsection, to the extent that they are not exempt from garnishment, and such lien shall continue as to subsequent nonexempt earnings until the total subject to the lien equals the amount stated on the writ of garnishment or until the expiration of the employer's payroll period ending on or before sixty days after the effective date of the writ, whichever occurs first, except that such lien on subsequent earnings shall terminate sooner if the employment relationship is terminated or if the underlying judgment is vacated, modified, or satisfied in full or if the writ is dismissed. The "effective date" of a writ is the date of service of the writ if there is no previously served writ; otherwise, it is the date of termination of a previously served writ or writs.
     (2) At the time of the expected termination of the lien, the plaintiff shall mail to the garnishee ((three additional stamped envelopes addressed as provided in RCW 6.27.110, and four additional copies)) one copy of the answer form prescribed in RCW ((6.27.190)) 6.27.340. The plaintiff shall replace the text of section I of the answer form with a statement in substantially the following form: "ANSWER SECTION II OF THIS FORM WITH RESPECT TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF EARNINGS WITHHELD UNDER THIS GARNISHMENT, INCLUDING THE AMOUNT, IF ANY, STATED IN YOUR FIRST ANSWER, AND WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THESE FORMS, MAIL OR DELIVER THEM AS DIRECTED IN THE WRIT."

Nonexempt amount due and owing stated in first answer$. . .
Nonexempt amount accrued since first answer$. . .
TOTAL AMOUNT WITHHELD$ . . . . . . . . . . . .


     (3) Within twenty days of receipt of the second answer form the garnishee shall file a second answer, either in the form as provided in subsection (2) of this section, stating the total amount held subject to the garnishment, or otherwise containing the information required in subsection (2) of this section and a calculation indicating the total amount due and owing from the garnishee defendant to the defendant, the defendant's total earnings, allowable deductions, disposable earnings, exempt earnings, deductions for superior liens such as child support, and net earnings withheld under the writ.

Sec. 15   RCW 6.27.360 and 1997 c 296 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (((2))) (3) of this section, a lien obtained under RCW 6.27.350 shall have priority over any subsequent garnishment lien or wage assignment except that service of a writ shall not be effective to create a continuing lien with such priority if a writ in the same case is pending at the time of the service of the new writ.
     (2) A lien obtained under RCW 6.27.350 shall have priority over any prior wage assignment, except an assignment for child support as provided in subsection (3) of this section and an assignment for legal financial obligations as provided under RCW 9.94A.760, 9.94A.7702, and 72.09.111.
     (3)
A lien obtained under RCW 6.27.350 shall not have priority over a notice of payroll deduction issued under RCW 26.23.060 or a wage assignment or other garnishment for child support issued under chapters 26.18 and 74.20A RCW. Should nonexempt wages remain after deduction of all amounts owing under a notice of payroll deduction, wage assignment, or garnishment for child support, the garnishee shall withhold the remaining nonexempt wages under the lien obtained under RCW 6.27.350.

Sec. 16   RCW 6.27.370 and 1997 c 296 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Whenever the federal government is named as a garnishee defendant, the attorney for the plaintiff, or the clerk of the court shall, upon submitting a notice in the appropriate form by the plaintiff, issue a notice which directs the garnishee defendant to disburse any nonexempt earnings to the court in accordance with the garnishee defendant's normal pay and disbursement cycle.
     (2) Funds received by the clerk from a garnishee defendant may be deposited into the registry of the court or, in the case of negotiable instruments, may be retained in the court file. Upon presentation of an order directing the clerk to disburse the funds received, the clerk shall pay or endorse the funds over to the party entitled to receive the funds. Except for good cause shown, the funds shall not be paid or endorsed to the plaintiff prior to the expiration of any minimum statutory period allowed to the defendant for filing an exemption claim.
     (3) The plaintiff shall, in the same manner permitted for service of the writ of garnishment, provide to the garnishee defendant a copy of the notice issued ((by the clerk and an envelope addressed to the court)) under subsection (1) of this section, and shall supply to the garnished party a copy of the notice.
     (4) Any answer or processing fees charged by the garnishee defendant to the plaintiff under federal law shall be a recoverable cost under RCW 6.27.090.
     (5) The notice to the federal government garnishee shall be in substantially the following form:

IN THE . . . . . . COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
IN AND FOR . . . . . . COUNTY
. . . . . . . . . . . . ,NO. . . . . .
Plaintiff,NOTICE TO FEDERAL
vs.GOVERNMENT GARNISHEE
 DEFENDANT
. . . . . . . . . . . . , 
Defendant,
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . , 
Garnishee Defendant.
 
TO: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND ANY DEPARTMENT, AGENCY, OR DIVISION THEREOF
You have been named as the garnishee defendant in the above-entitled cause. A Writ of Garnishment accompanies this Notice. The Writ of Garnishment directs you to hold the nonexempt earnings of the named defendant, but does not instruct you to disburse the funds you hold.
BY THIS NOTICE THE COURT DIRECTS YOU TO WITHHOLD ALL NONEXEMPT EARNINGS AND DISBURSE THEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR NORMAL PAY AND DISBURSEMENT CYCLE, TO THE FOLLOWING:
. . . . . . County . . . . . . Court Clerk
Cause No. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
(Address)
 
PLEASE REFERENCE THE DEFENDANT EMPLOYEE'S NAME AND THE ABOVE CAUSE NUMBER ON ALL DISBURSEMENTS.
The enclosed Writ also directs you to respond to the Writ within twenty (20) days, but you are allowed thirty (30) days to respond under federal law.
DATED this . . . . day of . . . . . . , ((19)) 20. . .
  . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Clerk of the Court


     (6) If the writ of garnishment is issued by the attorney of record for the judgment creditor, the following paragraph shall replace the clerk's signature and date:

This notice is issued by the undersigned attorney of record for plaintiff under the authority of RCW 6.27.370, and must be complied with in the same manner as a notice issued by the court.


Dated this . . . . . . . . day of. . . . . . . . . . , 20. . . . . .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Attorney for Plaintiff

Sec. 17   RCW 2.10.180 and 1991 c 365 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section, the right of a person to a retirement allowance, disability allowance, or death benefit, the retirement, disability or death allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, or any other process of law whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington.
     (3) Deductions made in the past from retirement benefits are hereby expressly recognized, ratified, and affirmed. Future deductions may only be made in accordance with this section.
     (4) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department of retirement systems from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) a notice of payroll deduction issued under chapter 26.23 RCW, (c) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 18   RCW 2.12.090 and 1991 c 365 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section, the right of any person to a retirement allowance or optional retirement allowance under the provisions of this chapter and all moneys and investments and income thereof are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or the insolvency laws, or other processes of law whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable except as herein specifically provided.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department of retirement systems from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) a notice of payroll deduction issued under chapter 26.23 RCW, (c) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington.
     (4) Deductions made in the past from retirement benefits are hereby expressly recognized, ratified, and affirmed. Future deductions may only be made in accordance with this section.

Sec. 19   RCW 41.20.180 and 1979 ex.s. c 205 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, or disability allowance, or death benefits, or any optional benefit, or any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and any fund created hereby, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable: PROVIDED, That benefits under this chapter shall be payable to a spouse or ex-spouse to the extent expressly provided for in any court decree of dissolution or legal separation or in any court order or court-approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of dissolution or legal separation.

Sec. 20   RCW 41.32.052 and 1991 c 365 s 21 and 1991 c 35 s 63 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a pension, an annuity, a retirement allowance, or disability allowance, to the return of contributions, any optional benefit or death benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter and the moneys in the various funds created by this chapter shall be unassignable, and are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned.
     (2) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance who is eligible:
     (a) Under RCW 41.05.080 from authorizing monthly deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington or its political subdivisions;
     (b) Under a group health care benefit plan approved pursuant to RCW 28A.400.350 or 41.05.065 from authorizing monthly deductions therefrom, of the amount or amounts of subscription payments, premiums, or contributions to any person, firm, or corporation furnishing or providing medical, surgical, and hospital care or other health care insurance; or
     (c) Under this system from authorizing monthly deductions therefrom for payment of dues and other membership fees to any retirement association composed of retired teachers and/or public employees pursuant to a written agreement between the director and the retirement association.
     Deductions under (a) and (b) of this subsection shall be made in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the director.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 21   RCW 41.26.053 and 1991 c 365 s 20 and 1991 c 35 s 25 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a retirement allowance, disability allowance, or death benefit, to the return of accumulated contributions, the retirement, disability or death allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or any other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable.
     (2) On the written request of any person eligible to receive benefits under this section, the department may deduct from such payments the premiums for life, health, or other insurance. The request on behalf of any child or children shall be made by the legal guardian of such child or children. The department may provide for such persons one or more plans of group insurance, through contracts with regularly constituted insurance carriers or health care service contractors.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 22   RCW 41.28.200 and 1939 c 207 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
     The right of a person to a pension, an annuity or a retirement allowance, to the return of contributions, the pension, annuity or retirement allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, or any other process whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable except as in this chapter specifically provided.

Sec. 23   RCW 41.34.080 and 2000 c 247 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a pension, an annuity, a retirement allowance, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the various funds created by chapter 239, Laws of 1995; chapter 341, Laws of 1998; and chapter 247, Laws of 2000 and all moneys and investments and income thereof, is hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable.
     (2) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington or its political subdivisions and that has been approved for deduction in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the state health care authority and/or the department. This section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of dues and other membership fees to any retirement association or organization the membership of which is composed of retired public employees, if a total of three hundred or more of such retired employees have authorized such deduction for payment to the same retirement association or organization.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 24   RCW 41.35.100 and 1998 c 341 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, the various funds created by this chapter, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable.
     (2) This section does not prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington or its political subdivisions and which has been approved for deduction in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the state health care authority and/or the department. This section also does not prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of dues and other membership fees to any retirement association or organization the membership of which is composed of retired public employees, if a total of three hundred or more of such retired employees have authorized such deduction for payment to the same retirement association or organization.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 25   RCW 41.37.090 and 2004 c 242 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under this chapter, the various funds created by this chapter, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable.
     (2) This section does not prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington or its political subdivisions and which has been approved for deduction in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the state health care authority and/or the department. This section also does not prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of dues and other membership fees to any retirement association or organization the membership of which is composed of retired public employees, if a total of three hundred or more retired employees have authorized the deduction for payment to the same retirement association or organization.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 26   RCW 41.40.052 and 1999 c 83 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, the various funds created by this chapter, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable.
     (2)(a) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington or its political subdivisions and which has been approved for deduction in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the state health care authority and/or the department, and this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of dues and other membership fees to any retirement association or organization the membership of which is composed of retired public employees, if a total of three hundred or more of such retired employees have authorized such deduction for payment to the same retirement association or organization.
     (b) This section does not prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions from that allowance for charitable purposes on the same terms as employees and public officers under RCW 41.04.035 and 41.04.036.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued by the department, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.

Sec. 27   RCW 41.44.240 and 1989 c 360 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:
     The right of a person to a pension, annuity or a retirement allowance, to the return of contribution, the pension, annuity or retirement allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, or any other process whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned. This section shall not apply to child support collection actions taken under chapter 26.18, 26.23, or 74.20A RCW against benefits payable under any such plan or arrangement. Benefits under this chapter shall be payable to a spouse or ex-spouse to the extent expressly provided for in any court decree of dissolution or legal separation or in any court order or court-approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of dissolution or legal separation.

Sec. 28   RCW 43.43.310 and 1991 c 365 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the right of any person to a retirement allowance or optional retirement allowance under the provisions hereof and all moneys and investments and income thereof are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or the insolvency laws, or other processes of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable except as herein specifically provided.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department of retirement systems from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (c) a notice of payroll deduction issued pursuant to RCW 26.23.060, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of members of the Washington state patrol or other public employees of the state of Washington, or for contributions to the Washington state patrol memorial foundation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 29   Section 7 of this act expires January 1, 2018.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 30   Section 8 of this act takes effect January 1, 2018.


         Passed by the House March 5, 2012.
         Passed by the Senate March 1, 2012.
         Approved by the Governor March 29, 2012.
         Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 29, 2012.