Deal signs bill making it easier to seek garnished wages

By Associated Press

For the AJC

Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill into law that makes it easier for business to file garnishment requests in Georgia.

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Bita Honarvar, bhonarvar@ajc.com Gov. Nathan Deal signed a bill that eases the process for businesses to garnish wages.

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Deal said Tuesday he's committed to working with the state Legislature to "reduce unnecessary regulation on businesses, large and small." The law takes effect immediately.

A 2011 court decision said garnishment requests in Georgia could only be filed by legal counsel. Historically, human resources or payroll employees had processed garnishments for employees.

Deal said that returning the power to company employees removes a mandate "that could pose a costly burden on job creators."

The bill passed through both houses of Legislature by large margins. It was sponsored by Reps. Wendell Willard, Richard Smith, Andy Welch, Tom McCall and Robert Dickey.