Bill > S02636

This bill amends the Uniform Justice Court Act to raise the jurisdictional amount for small claims cases from $3,000 to $10,000 in justice courts. The legislation updates several sections of existing law to reflect this change, which means justice courts can now hear civil cases involving monetary claims or property value up to $10,000, instead of the previous $3,000 limit. This increase applies to various legal contexts, including money actions, recovery of chattels (personal property), counterclaims, and joinder of causes of action. The bill also modifies the definition of "small claims" to encompass causes of action for money not exceeding $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. The jurisdictional change helps ensure that more minor legal disputes can be resolved in local justice courts, potentially providing a more accessible and cost-effective legal venue for residents. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, giving courts and legal professionals time to adjust to the new monetary threshold.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2636