Bill > S06739

This bill standardizes legal language in the Uniform City Court Act and Uniform Justice Court Act to modify how small claims are filed and noticed, particularly for tenant-related disputes. The bill updates gender-specific language (replacing "his" with "their" or "the") and expands the geographic scope for serving notice in tenant-related cases from being limited to the county or adjoining county to now allowing service anywhere in the state where a tenant might mail or deliver rent. The bill also adjusts filing fees for small claims (ranging from $10-$20 depending on claim amount) and maintains a process where claims can be filed without a formal summons. Additionally, the bill requires the Office of Court Administration to develop necessary forms, procedures, and guidance for implementing these changes, and mandates that they provide a report to the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees detailing the implementation measures. The legislation will take effect 90 days after becoming law, aiming to provide more flexible and accessible legal processes for tenants seeking to file small claims related to their tenancy or lease.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6739