Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Bill advances to protect $1,000 from accounts of low-income families

Sun Coverage

CARSON CITY – A bill to protect up to $1,000 in the personal bank account of a low-income family from creditors gained approval in the Assembly Monday on a party-line vote.

Senate Bill 348 originally was introduced by six Republican senators and breezed through that house 21-0, but it was extensively rewritten by Democrats in the Assembly.

Assemblyman William Horne, D-Las Vegas, said the $1,000 needs to be protected from a creditor’s sweep in order for a family to pay groceries and utility bills.

It would protect the finances for those “who are down and out,” from a writ of execution or garnishment, he said.

Assemblyman Jason Frierson, D-Las Vegas, said it would stop the freezing of the last $1,000 for many senior citizens in his district facing financial struggles.

But Assemblyman Pat Hickey, R-Reno, said the bill “protects deadbeat dads” and would allow individuals to “scam the system.” Assemblyman Ira Hansen, R-Reno, said the bill was harmful to small businesses.

The bill returns to the Senate for agreement on the extensive amendment.

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