On May 7, 2025, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison celebrated the signing of SF 2847/HF 2543 by Governor Tim Walz. The legislation modernizes wage garnishment forms to align with the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act passed in 2024. This bipartisan bill was approved unanimously by both the Minnesota Senate on April 22 and the House on April 30.
Attorney General Ellison expressed his satisfaction with the progress made: "I've said it before and I'll say it again: you should pay back what you borrow. But paying back debt shouldn't drag you into poverty. I am extremely proud of the work we did to pass the Debt Fairness Act and make Minnesota's debt systems more just."
The Debt Fairness Act aimed to create a fairer debt system in Minnesota by ending automatic medical debt transfers to spouses, banning credit reporting of medical debts, updating bankruptcy laws for better protection of basic property, and establishing new protections against unethical medical debt collection practices.
A significant change introduced by the act was the adjustment of wage garnishment levels based on income, ranging from 10% to 25%, allowing low- and middle-income residents to manage their living expenses while repaying debts.
SF 2847/HF 2543 specifically updates garnishment forms used when creditors garnish wages or property. The Attorney General’s Office collaborated with consumer and business organizations to simplify these forms, making them easier for Minnesotans to understand. An example provided contrasts old legalistic language with a clearer version intended for better comprehension.
The Attorney General’s Office is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, MN, and remains committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.