HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  SB 5151

Title:  An act relating to civil jurisdiction of district courts.

Brief Description:  Adjusting the jurisdictional amount for district courts.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Johnson, Heavey, McCaslin, Loveland, Snyder and Winsley.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Trudes Hutcheson (786-7384).

Background:  District courts have jurisdiction over civil cases if the value of the claim or the amount at issue does not exceed $25,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorneys= fees.  District courts do not have jurisdiction over civil actions involving title to real property, actions for the foreclosure of a mortgage or enforcement of a lien on real estate, and actions for false imprisonment, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, criminal conversation, or seduction.

The superior court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court over civil cases.  In certain counties, a civil case that is brought in superior court and that has a claim of less than $35,000 is subject to mandatory arbitration prior to a hearing by the court.

Summary of Bill:  The district court=s jurisdictional amount over civil cases is raised from $25,000 to  $35,000.

Fiscal Note:  Requested March 17, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

                 Office of Program Research