FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5027

                                   C 71 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Raising the jurisdictional limit for small claims departments.

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Rasmussen and Thorsness).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND:

Small claims courts are a distinct department of the district court system.  The primary purpose of small claims courts is to simplify the court process for civil disputes of claims that do not exceed $2,000.  Small claims proceedings are generally conducted in an informal manner without formal pleadings.  Parties may be represented by their attorneys with the consent of the district court judge.

SUMMARY:

The jurisdiction of small claims courts is increased to $2,500.

A corporation plaintiff may not be represented by an attorney  or paralegal in small claims court.  

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      40    2

House 97    0

EFFECTIVE:July 28, 1991