Idaho lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor’s desk to limit the state Tax Commission when it garnishes a delinquent taxpayer’s pay for back taxes, penalties and interest. Under SB 1047a, the state couldn’t nab any more than 25 percent of the taxpayer’s wages. And if the IRS also is going after that same taxpayer’s pay for back taxes, the state would be limited to 10 percent.

“Currently, garnishments for back taxes can go up to 100 percent,” Rep. Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, the bill’s House sponsor, to the House. “While there may be some value in the collection process to be able to garnish at 100 percent, there are also many problems that would be created by taking 100 percent of somebody’s paycheck. … I believe that this is a reasonable compromise.”

The subject may be familiar to lawmakers because a former House member, four-term Rep. Phil Hart, revealed that the IRS was garnishing 100 percent of his legislative pay for back taxes, penalties and interest. In that case, however, the federal agency left nothing for the state to grab. Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, proposed SB 1047a, saying limiting the garnishing should result in more collections in the long run, as people wouldn’t quit their jobs. The bill passed the House today on a 64-1 vote, with just Rep. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise, dissenting.