Bill > HB2761

This bill proposes to increase the jurisdictional limit of magistrate courts in West Virginia for civil actions from its current amount to $20,000. Magistrate courts, which are lower-level judicial courts handling smaller civil disputes, will now be able to hear civil cases where the value or amount in controversy is up to $20,000, excluding interest and costs. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow magistrate courts to handle matters involving unlawful entry or detainer of real property and wrongful occupation of residential rental property, provided the property's title is not in dispute. The legislation preserves previous restrictions on magistrate court jurisdiction, meaning they still cannot hear actions in equity, eminent domain matters, cases involving real estate title disputes, liens, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, slander or libel cases, or extraordinary remedies. Additionally, the bill continues to grant magistrate court personnel the authority to administer oaths, take affidavits and depositions, and acknowledge legal documents. The bill will take effect 90 days after its passage, potentially expanding access to judicial resolution for civil disputes of lower monetary value.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2761&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill