AB651: Bill Text

AB651,5,8 799.01 (1) (e) Negligence claims. Notwithstanding par. (d), civil actions arising out of a claim based on negligence where the amount claimed is $5,000 or less.

AB651, s. 7 Section 7. 799.01 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,5,13 799.01 (2) Permissive use of small claims procedure. A taxing authority may use the procedure in this chapter in an action to recover a tax from a person liable for that tax where the amount claimed, including interest and penalties, is $5,000 $10,000 or less. This chapter is not the exclusive procedure for those actions.

AB651, s. 8 Section 8. 802.04 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,6,5 802.04 (1) Caption. Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the venue, the title of the action, the file number, and a designation as in s. 802.01 (1). If a pleading contains motions, or an answer or reply contains cross-claims or counterclaims, the designation in the caption shall state their existence. In the complaint the caption of the action shall include the standardized description of the case classification type and associated code number as approved by the director of state courts, and the title of the action shall include the names and addresses of all the parties, indicating the representative capacity, if any, in which they sue or are sued and, in actions by or against a corporation, the corporate existence and its domestic or foreign status shall be indicated. In pleadings other than the complaint, it is sufficient to state the name of the first party on each side with an appropriate indication of other parties. Every pleading commencing an action under s. 814.61 (1) (a) or 814.62 (1) or (2) and every complaint filed under s. 814.61 (3) shall contain in the caption, if the action includes a claim for a money judgment, a statement of whether the amount claimed is greater than the amount under s. 799.01 (1) (d) or, if the claim is based on negligence, s. 799.01 (1) (e).

AB651, s. 9 Section 9. 812.34 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,6,9 812.34 (2) (a) Unless the court grants relief under s. 812.38 (2) or par. (b) or (c) applies, 80% of the debtor's disposable earnings are exempt from garnishment under this subchapter.

AB651, s. 10 Section 10. 812.34 (2) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,6,12 812.34 (2) (b) 1. The debtor's household income is below the poverty line, or the garnishment would cause that result; or.

AB651, s. 11 Section 11. 812.34 (2) (c) of the statutes is created to read:

AB651,6,17 812.34 (2) (c) If the garnishment of 20% of the debtor's disposable income under this subchapter would result in the debtor's household income being below the poverty line, the amount of the garnishment is limited to the debtor's household income in excess of the poverty line before the garnishment is in effect.

AB651, s. 12 Section 12. 812.37 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,7,5 812.37 (1) Except as provided in s. 812.34 (1), the debtor may claim an exemption under s. 812.34 (2) (b) or a limit to the garnishment under s. 812.34 (2) (c), or may assert any defense to the earnings garnishment, by completing the answer form and delivering or mailing it to the garnishee, along with the schedules and worksheets provided under s. 812.35 (4) (b) and any other documents supporting his or her answer, such as a wage statement, a court order regarding the payment of support or a document showing the receipt of aid to families with dependent children, relief funded by a relief block grant under ch. 49, relief provided by counties under s. 59.53 (21), medical assistance, supplemental security income, food stamps, or veterans benefits based on need under 38 USC 501 to 562 or s. 45.351 (1). The debtor or debtor's spouse may file an answer or an amended answer and documentation at any time before or during the effective period of the earnings garnishment.

AB651, s. 13 Section 13. 812.37 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,7,12 812.37 (2) Whenever the garnishee receives a debtor's answer or amended answer and the schedules, worksheets, and other documents, the garnishee shall mail a copy of the answer, schedules, worksheets, and any other documents the debtor included with the answer to the creditor by the end of the 3rd business day after receiving the debtor's answer and documents, writing on that copy the date of receipt of the answer and documents by the garnishee.

AB651, s. 14 Section 14. 812.38 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,7,19 812.38 (1) (b) The debtor may file with the court a written petition for relief from the earnings garnishment if the exemption percentage under s. 812.34 (2) (a) is insufficient for the debtor to acquire the necessities of life for the debtor and his or her dependents. The petition shall state with reasonable specificity the grounds for the relief requested and shall include any additional information necessary to support the petition.

AB651, s. 15 Section 15. 812.38 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,8,11 812.38 (2) A motion or petition under sub. (1) may be made at any time during the pendency of the earnings garnishment. Within 5 business days after a motion or petition is filed under sub. (1), the court shall schedule the matter for a hearing to be held as promptly as practicable. The court shall notify the parties of the time and place of the hearing. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law. If the debtor has failed to produce the schedules and worksheets or other documents necessary to support a claim for exemptions or other defenses, the court shall award the creditor his or her costs related to the motion in an amount of not less than $50. An award under this subsection may not substitute for or replace an award made under sub. (3). The court shall make such order as required by these findings and conclusions. If the order permits the garnishment to proceed, the date on which the order is served upon the garnishee shall substitute for the original date of service of the garnishment upon the garnishee under s. 812.35 (3) for the purpose of determining any 13-week period under s. 812.35 (5) or (6). A court order shall bind the garnishee from the time the order is served upon him or her.

AB651, s. 16 Section 16. 812.44 (3) (form) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,8,16 812.44 (3) (form) 3. Whenever you receive a debtor's answer form from the debtor, mail a copy of the answer form and any documents the debtor included with the answer form to the creditor by the end of the 3rd business day after receipt of that form. Include the date you received the answer form on the copy sent to the creditor.

AB651, s. 17 Section 17. 812.44 (4) (form) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,8,20 812.44 (4) (form) 1. Your household income is below the federal poverty level, or this garnishment would cause that to happen. See the enclosed schedules and worksheet to determine if you qualify for this exemption.

AB651, s. 18 Section 18. 812.44 (4) (form) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,8,23 812.44 (4) (form) 3. At least 25% of your disposable earnings are assigned by court order for support.

AB651,9,3 If the garnishment of 20% of your disposable income would result in the income of your household being below the poverty line, the garnishment is limited to the amount of your household's income in excess of the poverty line.

AB651,9,10 If you qualify for a complete exemption or for a limit on the amount of the garnishment to the amount that your household's income exceeds the poverty line, you must give or mail a copy of the enclosed debtor's answer form to the garnishee, along with the schedules and worksheets and any other documents supporting your answer, such as a wage statement, a court order regarding the payment of support, or a document showing the receipt of any of the benefits listed under paragraph 2 above in order to receive that increased exemption.

AB651,9,12 If your circumstances change while the garnishment is in effect, you may file a new answer at any time.

AB651,9,16 If you do not qualify for a complete exemption, but you will not be able to acquire the necessities of life for yourself and your dependents if your earnings are reduced by this earnings garnishment, you may ask the court in which this earnings garnishment was filed to increase your exemption or grant you other relief.

AB651,9,18 IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE CONSULT AN ATTORNEY

AB651,9,24 If you have earnings that are being garnisheed that are exempt or subject to a defense, the sooner you file your answer or seek relief from the court, the sooner such relief can be provided. This earnings garnishment affects your earnings in pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after it was served on the garnishee. You may agree in writing with the creditor to extend it for additional 13-week periods until the debt is paid.

AB651,9,25 PENALTIES

AB651,10,3 If you wrongly claim an exemption or defense in bad faith, or if the creditor wrongly objects to your claim in bad faith, the court may order the person who acted in bad faith to pay court costs, actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.

AB651, s. 19 Section 19. 814.04 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,10,12 814.04 (1) (a) When the amount recovered or the value of the property involved is $1,000 or over greater than the maximum amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d), attorney fees shall be $100 $500; when it is equal to or less than $1,000 and is $500 or over, $50 the maximum amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d), but is $1,000 or more, attorney fees shall be $300; when it is less than $500 and is $200 or over, $25; and when it is less than $200, $15 $1,000, attorney fees shall be $100. In all other cases in which there is no amount recovered or that do not involve property, attorney fees shall be $300.

AB651, s. 20 Section 20. 814.04 (1) (b) of the statutes is repealed.

AB651, s. 21 Section 21. 814.04 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,11,2 814.04 (2) Disbursements. All the necessary disbursements and fees allowed by law; the compensation of referees; a reasonable disbursement for the service of process or other papers in an action when the same are served by a person authorized by law other than an officer, but the item may not exceed the authorized sheriff's fee for the same service; amounts actually paid out for certified and other copies of papers and records in any public office; postage, telegraphing photocopying, telephoning, electronic communications, facsimile transmissions, and express or overnight delivery; depositions including copies; plats and photographs, not exceeding $50 $100 for each item; an expert witness fee not exceeding $100 $300 for each expert who testifies, exclusive of the standard witness fee and mileage which shall also be taxed for each expert; and in actions relating to or affecting the title to lands, the cost of procuring an abstract of title to the lands. Guardian ad litem fees shall not be taxed as a cost or disbursement.

AB651, s. 22 Section 22. 814.07 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,11,6 814.07 Costs on motion. Costs may be allowed on a motion, in the discretion of the court or judge, not exceeding $50 $300, and may be absolute or directed to abide the event of the action.

AB651, s. 23 Section 23. 814.634 (1) (b) and (c) of the statutes are amended to read:

AB651,11,13 814.634 (1) (b) Notwithstanding par. (a), the clerk of circuit court shall charge and collect a $130 court support services fee from any person, including any governmental unit as defined in s. 108.02 (17), paying a fee under s. 814.61 (1) (a) or (3) or 814.62 (1) or (2), if the party paying the fee seeks the recovery of money and the amount claimed exceeds the amount under s. 799.01 (1) (d) or, if the claim is based on negligence, s. 799.01 (1) (e).

AB651,11,19 (c) Notwithstanding par. (a), the clerk of circuit court shall charge and collect a $39 court support services fee from any person, including any governmental unit as defined in s. 108.02 (17), paying a fee under s. 814.62 (3) (a) or (b), or paying a fee under s. 814.61 (1) (a) or (3) or 814.62 (1) or (2) if the party paying the fee seeks the recovery of money and the amount claimed is equal to or less than the amount under s. 799.01 (1) (d) or, if the claim is based on negligence, s. 799.01 (1) (e).

AB651, s. 24 Section 24. 815.18 (3) (k) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,11,23 815.18 (3) (k) Depository accounts. Depository accounts in the aggregate value of $1,000, but only to the extent that the account is for the debtor's personal use and is not used as a business account.

AB651, s. 25 Section 25. 895.035 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,12,10 895.035 (2) The parent or parents with custody of a minor child, in any circumstances where he, she, or they may not be liable under the common law, are liable for damages to property, for the cost of repairing or replacing property or removing the marking, drawing, writing, or etching from property regarding a violation under s. 943.017, for the value of unrecovered stolen property , or for personal injury attributable to a willful, malicious, or wanton act of the child. The parent or parents with custody of their minor child are jointly and severally liable with the child for the damages imposed under s. 895.80, 943.212, 943.24, 943.245, or 943.51 for their child's violation of s. 943.01, 943.011, 943.012, 943.017, 943.20, 943.201, 943.21, 943.24, 943.26, 943.34, 943.395, 943.41, 943.50 , or 943.61.

AB651, s. 26 Section 26. 895.035 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,12,21 895.035 (4) Except for recovery under sub. (4a) or for retail theft under s. 943.51, the maximum recovery under this section from any parent or parents may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000 for damages resulting from any one act of a juvenile in addition to taxable costs and disbursements and reasonable attorney fees, as determined by the court under s. 814.04. If 2 or more juveniles in the custody of the same parent or parents commit the same act the total recovery under this section may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000, in addition to taxable costs and disbursements under s. 814.04. The maximum recovery from any parent or parents for retail theft by their minor child is established under s. 943.51.

AB651, s. 27 Section 27. 895.08 of the statutes is created to read:

AB651,13,2 895.08 Suit by collection agency. In addition to the requirements of ss. 801.09 (1), 801.095, 802.04 (1), and 815.05 (intro.), in an action brought by a collection agency under s. 218.04 (9j), the collection agency shall include in the caption, under its name, the names of the creditors on whose behalf the action is brought.

AB651, s. 28 Section 28. 895.80 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,13,11 895.80 (1) Any person who suffers damage or loss by reason of intentional conduct that occurs on or after November 1, 1995, and that is prohibited under s. 943.01, 943.20, 943.21, 943.24, 943.26, 943.34, 943.395, 943.41, 943.50, 943.61, 943.74, or 943.76, or by reason of intentional conduct that occurs on or after April 28, 1998, and that is prohibited under s. 943.201, or by reason of intentional conduct that occurs on or after the effective date of this subsection .... [revisor inserts date], and that is prohibited under s. 943.011, 943.012, or 943.017, has a cause of action against the person who caused the damage or loss.

AB651, s. 29 Section 29. 895.80 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,13,19 895.80 (2) The burden of proof in a civil action under sub. (1) is with the person who suffers damage or loss to prove his or her case a violation of s. 943.01, 943.011, 943.012, 943.017, 943.20, 943.201, 943.21, 943.24, 943.26, 943.34, 943.395, 943.41, 943.50, or 943.61 by a preponderance of the credible evidence. A conviction under s. 943.01, 943.011, 943.012, 943.017, 943.20, 943.201, 943.21, 943.24, 943.26, 943.34, 943.395, 943.41, 943.50, or 943.61 is not required to bring an action, obtain a judgment, or collect on that judgment under this section.

AB651, s. 30 Section 30. 895.80 (3) (a) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

AB651,13,24 895.80 (3) (a) Actual damages, including the retail or replacement value of damaged, used, or lost property, whichever is greater, for a violation of s. 943.01, 943.011, 943.012, 943.017, 943.20, 943.201, 943.21, 943.24, 943.26, 943.34, 943.395, 943.41, 943.50, or 943.61.

AB651, s. 31 Section 31. 895.80 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,14,3 895.80 (3) (b) All costs of investigation and litigation that were reasonably incurred, including the value of the time spent by any employee or agent of the victim.

AB651, s. 32 Section 32. 895.80 (3) (c) of the statutes is created to read:

AB651,14,7 895.80 (3) (c) Exemplary damages of not more than 3 times the amount awarded under par. (a). No additional proof is required under this section for an award of exemplary damages under this paragraph.

AB651, s. 33 Section 33. 895.80 (4) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

AB651,14,10 895.80 (4) Any recovery under this section shall be reduced by the amount recovered as restitution under ss. 800.093 and 973.20 and ch. 938.

AB651, s. 34 Section 34. 895.80 (6) of the statutes is created to read:

AB651,14,13 895.80 (6) A person is not criminally liable under s. 943.30 for any action brought in good faith under this section.

AB651, s. 35 Section 35. 938.245 (2) (a) 5. am. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,15,2 938.245 (2) (a) 5. am. That the parent who has custody, as defined in s. 895.035 (1), of the juvenile make reasonable restitution for any damage to the property of another, or for any actual physical injury to another excluding pain and suffering, resulting from the act for which the deferred prosecution agreement is being entered into. Except for recovery for retail theft under s. 943.51, the maximum amount of any restitution ordered under this subd. 5. am. for damage or injury resulting from any one act of a juvenile or from the same act committed by 2 or more juveniles in the custody of the same parent may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000. Any order under this subd. 5. am. shall include a finding that the parent who has custody of the juvenile is financially able to pay the amount ordered and may allow up to the date of the expiration of the deferred prosecution agreement for the payment. Any recovery under this subd. 5. am. shall be reduced by the amount recovered as restitution for the same act under subd. 5. a.

AB651, s. 36 Section 36. 938.32 (1t) (a) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,15,20 938.32 (1t) (a) 1m. If the petition alleges that the juvenile has committed a delinquent act that has resulted in damage to the property of another, or in actual physical injury to another excluding pain and suffering, the judge or circuit court commissioner may require a parent who has custody, as defined in s. 895.035 (1), of the juvenile, as a condition of the consent decree, to make reasonable restitution for the damage or injury. Except for recovery for retail theft under s. 943.51, the maximum amount of any restitution ordered under this subdivision for damage or injury resulting from any one act of a juvenile or from the same act committed by 2 or more juveniles in the custody of the same parent may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000. Any consent decree that includes a condition of restitution by a parent who has custody of the juvenile shall include a finding that the parent who has custody of the juvenile is financially able to pay the amount ordered and may allow up to the date of the expiration of the consent decree for the payment. Objection by the parent to the amount of damages claimed shall entitle the parent to a hearing on the question of damages before the amount of restitution is made part of the consent decree. Any recovery under this subdivision shall be reduced by the amount recovered as restitution for the same act under subd. 1.

AB651, s. 37 Section 37. 938.45 (1r) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,16,10 938.45 (1r) (a) In a proceeding in which a juvenile has been found to have committed a delinquent act or a civil law or ordinance violation that has resulted in damage to the property of another, or in actual physical injury to another excluding pain and suffering, the court may order a parent who has custody, as defined in s. 895.035 (1), of the juvenile to make reasonable restitution for the damage or injury. Except for recovery for retail theft under s. 943.51, the maximum amount of any restitution ordered under this paragraph for damage or injury resulting from any one act of a juvenile or from the same act committed by 2 or more juveniles in the custody of the same parent may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000. Any order under this paragraph shall include a finding that the parent who has custody of the juvenile is financially able to pay the amount ordered and may allow up to the date of expiration of the order for the payment. Any recovery under this paragraph shall be reduced by the amount recovered as restitution for the same act under s. 938.34 (5) or 938.343 (4).

AB651, s. 38 Section 38. 938.45 (1r) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,16,21 938.45 (1r) (b) In a proceeding in which the court has determined under s. 938.34 (8) or 938.343 (2) that the imposition of a forfeiture would be in the best interest of the juvenile and in aid of rehabilitation, the court may order a parent who has custody, as defined in s. 895.035 (1), of the juvenile to pay the forfeiture. The amount of any forfeiture ordered under this paragraph may not exceed the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) $5,000. Any order under this paragraph shall include a finding that the parent who has custody of the juvenile is financially able to pay the amount ordered and shall allow up to 12 months after the date of the order for the payment. Any recovery under this paragraph shall be reduced by the amount recovered as a forfeiture for the same act under s. 938.34 (8) or 938.343 (2).

AB651, s. 39 Section 39. 943.212 (7) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,16,25 943.212 (7) Nothing in this section precludes a plaintiff from bringing the action under ch. 799 if the amount claimed is within the jurisdictional limits of s. 799.01 (1) (d) or, if the claim is based on negligence, s. 799.01 (1) (e).

AB651, s. 40 Section 40. 943.24 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,17,6 943.24 (3) (b) Proof that, at the time of issuance, the person did not have sufficient funds or credit with the drawee and that the person failed within 5 days after receiving written notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check or other order, delivered by regular mail to either the person's last-known address or the address provided on the check or other order; or

AB651, s. 41 Section 41. 943.24 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,17,12 943.24 (3) (c) Proof that, when presentment was made within a reasonable time, the person did not have sufficient funds or credit with the drawee and the person failed within 5 days after receiving written notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check or other order, delivered by regular mail to either the person's last-known address or the address provided on the check or other order.

AB651, s. 42 Section 42. 943.245 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,17,16 943.245 (3) Notwithstanding sub. (2) (c) and (d), the total amount awarded for exemplary damages and reasonable attorney fees may not exceed $500 for each violation.

AB651, s. 43 Section 43. 943.245 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,18,2 943.245 (4) At least 20 days prior to commencing an action, as specified in s. 801.02, under this section, the plaintiff shall notify the defendant, by mail, of his or her intent to bring the action. Notice of nonpayment or dishonor shall be sent by the payee or holder of the check or order to the drawer by regular mail supported by an affidavit of service of mailing or by a certificate of mailing obtained from the U.S. post office from which the mailing was made. The plaintiff shall mail the notice to the defendant's last-known address or to the address provided on the check or order. If the defendant pays the check or order prior to the commencement of the action, he or she is not liable under this section.

AB651, s. 44 Section 44. 943.245 (8) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,18,6 943.245 (8) Nothing in this section precludes a plaintiff from bringing the action under ch. 799 if the amount claimed is within the jurisdictional limits of s. 799.01 (1) (d) or, if the claim is based on negligence, s. 799.01 (1) (e).

AB651, s. 45 Section 45. 943.51 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,18,10 943.51 (3) Notwithstanding sub. (2) and except as provided in sub. (3m), the total amount awarded for exemplary damages and reasonable attorney fees may not exceed $500 for each violation.

AB651, s. 46 Section 46. 943.51 (3m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB651,18,15 943.51 (3m) Notwithstanding sub. (2), the total amount awarded for exemplary damages and reasonable attorney fees may not exceed $300 for each violation if the action is brought against a minor or against the parent who has custody of their minor child for the loss caused by the minor.