The House Judiciary heard HB 1358, concerning garnishment of tax refunds, authored by Reps. Cox, Steurwald, DeLaney, and Dermody. This legislation provides that if a debt has been reduced to a judgment in Indiana and the judgment has not been satisfied, set aside, or discharged in bankruptcy, the judgment creditor may garnish a state tax refund otherwise due to the debtor. Further, … [Read more...] about Garnishment of tax refunds
Civil
Wage payment and wage assignment
The House Judiciary heard HB 1469 concerning wage payment and wage assignment, authored by Rep. Ober. This bill provides that an employer who fails to make timely payment of wages or withholds wages in bad faith, may, in addition to the wages due, pay liquidated damages, court costs, and a reasonable fee for the employee's attorney. It provides that an employee may assign wages for: … [Read more...] about Wage payment and wage assignment
Religious exemption in state and local contracts
The Civil Law Committee heard SB 127 authored by Sen. Holdman on religious exemption in state and local contracts. The bill provides that any state and local contract with a religious-based organization executed after June 30, 2015, must include a provision authorizing the religious-based organization to give employment preference to individuals of a particular religion or to … [Read more...] about Religious exemption in state and local contracts
Debt collection
The Civil Law Committee heard SB 211 authored by Sen. Patricia Miller on debt collection. The bill was prepared at the request of Attorney General Zoeller amending the deceptive consumer sales statutes to further consumer protection efforts. A representative from the Office of the Attorney General testified that the bill (1) defines “debt buyer;” (2) enhances the debt collector’s req … [Read more...] about Debt collection
Unclaimed property and savings bonds
The Civil Law Committee heard SB 282 pertaining to unclaimed property and savings bonds authored by Sen. Walker. A representative of the Attorney General’s Office summarized the bill. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to process unclaimed savings bonds held for more than 20 years as unclaimed property. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to claim unclaimed savings b … [Read more...] about Unclaimed property and savings bonds