Minnesota Order Protects Stimulus Checks and Halts ALL New Garnishments

Like many states before it, Minnesota decided to follow the trend of prohibiting the garnishment of stimulus checks sent to its residents under the CARES Act. Minnesota's governor issued an executive order on May 4 which, like Connecticut, classifies stimulus checks as need-based government assistance, which essentially makes such funds exempt from all claims by creditors. The only exceptions are for domestic support such as child support and spousal maintenance.

Going even further, the executive order seems to put a halt on all new garnishments:

Beginning immediately, the provisions in Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapters 571, which permit service of a garnishment summons on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee, are suspended. . .

Beginning immediately, the provisions in Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapters 571, which permit service of a garnishment summons on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee, are suspended.

Beginning immediately, the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 550.011, which permits a judgment creditor to obtain information about a consumer debtor’s assets, liabilities, and personal earnings, are suspended.

The order allows for civil penalties of up to $25,000 for violations.

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