Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Measure excluding COVID-19 relief payments from debt garnishment heads to House Floor

COVID-19 relief checks from the government could not be garnished to pay one’s personal, family or household debts under a proposal headed to the House Floor.

Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL-White Bear Township) sponsors HF1269. “This is an important step we can take to help folks weather the pandemic,” she said.

By a 13-4 vote Tuesday, the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill, as amended. There is no Senate companion.

Government pandemic relief payments would not be exempt from the collection of owed child support or spousal maintenance debts, according to Wazlawik.

Representing the Minnesota Creditors Rights Association, Joel Carlson said the association supports the bill.

“The stimulus payments were directed toward folks who needed help,” Wazlawik said. “We want to make sure they are able to retain those payments and use them for what they were intended for.”

The proposed change would expire Dec. 31, 2022.


Related Articles


Priority Dailies

Could 2026 retirements lead to record turnover in the House?
Twenty-six current Minnesota House members have announced their retirement from the chamber after the 2026 session. (House Photography file photo) In the final weeks of the legislative session, House members not seeking re-election to the body have taken a turn at gaveling in a floor session. It’s an opportunity to loo...
How short are the Legislature's short sessions?
The Minnesota House of Representatives in session Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo by Michele Jokinen) Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) was ready to end the session March 25, making the motion to adjourn sine die. But not enough of his colleagues shared that sentiment, defeating ...