Bill > H5641

This bill simplifies the assessment of filing fees and appeals for small claims and consumer matters in the district court. The legislation increases the entry fee for filing a small claims case from $55 to $75, which now includes a civil case processing fee and technology surcharge. The bill also raises the jurisdictional limit for compulsory counterclaims from $2,500 to $5,000, allowing defendants to file larger counterclaims within the small claims court system. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for filing appeals, mandating that both defendants and plaintiffs pay a $75 filing fee when appealing a decision. For consumer product claims where a defendant is defaulted for failing to answer, the judgment becomes final, eliminating their right to appeal or seek a trial de novo in superior court. These changes aim to streamline the small claims court process, update fee structures to reflect current costs, and provide clearer guidelines for filing and appealing cases. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving courts and potential litigants time to prepare for the new regulations.

Justice

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