Georgia businesses wouldn’t have to use a lawyer to respond to wage garnishment orders affecting their employees under legislation passed by the state House of Representatives Tuesday.

The bill, which passed 150-20 and now goes to the Senate, would reverse a ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court last year requiring companies to hire a lawyer to answer any garnishment order originating in Georgia.

Prior to the court decision, businesses had been free to use their own human resources staff or other non-lawyers to handle what the legislation’s supporters say is essentially a clerical task.

Atlanta Business Chronical