40-5-257. Assignment of earnings to be honored -- effect. (1) Any person, firm, corporation, association, political subdivision, or department of the state employing an obligor shall honor, according to its terms, a duly executed assignment of earnings, whether executed voluntarily or pursuant to a support order presented by the department. This requirement to honor the assignment of earnings and the assignment of earnings itself are applicable whether the earnings are to be paid presently or in the future and continue in force until released in writing by the department.

(2) Payment of money pursuant to an assignment of earnings presented by the department serves as full acquittance under any contract of employment. The state shall defend and hold harmless any action taken pursuant to the assignment of earnings. The department is released from liability for improper receipt of money under an assignment of earnings upon return of any money so received.