Title 50, Chapter 27, Section 53
( 50-27-53)
(a) Any claimant agency may submit to the corporation a list of the
names of all persons owing debts in excess of $100.00 to such
claimant agency or to persons on whose behalf the claimant agency is
acting. The full amount of the debt shall be collectable from any
lottery winnings without regard to limitations on the amounts that
may be collectable in increments through garnishment or other
proceedings. Such list shall constitute a valid lien upon and claim
of lien against the lottery winnings of any debtor named in such
list. The list shall contain the names of the debtors, their social
security numbers if available, and any other information which would
assist the corporation in identifying the debtors named in the list. (b) The corporation is authorized and directed to withhold any
winnings subject to the lien created by this Code section and send
notice to the winner by certified mail or statutory overnight
delivery, return receipt requested, of such action and the reason
the winnings were withheld. However, if the winner appears and
claims winnings in person, the corporation shall notify the winner
at that time by hand delivery of such action. If the debtor does
not protest the withholding of such funds in writing within 30 days
of such notice, the corporation shall pay the funds over to the
claimant agency. If the debtor protests the withholding of such
funds within 30 days of such notice, the corporation shall file an
action in interpleader in the superior court of the county in which
the debtor resides, pay the disputed sum into the registry of the
court, and give notice to the claimant agency and debtor of the
initiation of such action. (c) The liens created by this Code section shall rank among
themselves as follows: (1) Taxes due the state; (2) Delinquent child support; and (3) All other judgments and liens in order of the date entered or
perfected. (d) The corporation shall not be required to deduct claimed debts
from prizes paid out by retailers or entities other than the
corporation. (e) Any list of debt provided pursuant to this article shall be
provided periodically as the corporation shall provide by rules and
regulations and the corporation shall not be obligated to retain
such lists or deduct debts appearing on such lists beyond the period
determined by such rules and regulations. (f) The corporation is authorized to prescribe forms and promulgate
rules and regulations which it deems necessary to carry out the
provisions of this article. (g) The corporation and any claimant agency shall incur no civil or
criminal liability for good faith adherence to the provisions of
this Code section. (h) The claimant agency shall pay the corporation for all costs
incurred by the corporation in setting off debts in the manner
provided in this article. |