A proposal in the Oregon House would protect Oregonians in debt from having as much of their cash and property seized while giving people new tools to fight back when they are pursued for a debt that they don’t owe.
If enacted, the proposal would be a significant departure from the state’s existing regulations. Currently, debt collection companies must leave a minimum of $254 in a debtor’s weekly wages untouched and can garnish the rest. Under the proposal, the minimum amount debtors can keep would more than double, to about $590 per week that can’t be garnished. Similar protections would increase for vehicles, work tools and property.