HB 1774 Summary

• Establishes automatic income withholding orders for restitution when a defendant fails to pay in full within 90 days of sentencing, with a minimum withholding of $30 per month.

• Requires employers to withhold restitution amounts from defendant wages and transmit to the Department of the Attorney General within 5 business days of payment, with the employer permitted a $2 administrative fee per payment.

• Grants income withholding orders priority over other garnishments and attachments (except family law and support orders) and exempts them from wage garnishment limitations in state law.

• Holds employers liable for full amounts ordered if they fail to comply, while protecting compliant employers from civil liability; requires withholding to begin within 7 business days of service.

• Appropriates an unspecified amount to the Department of the Attorney General for fiscal year 2018-2019 to enhance restitution collection and hire necessary staff, effective July 1, 2035.