Title: An act relating to jurisdiction over judgments.

Brief Description: Providing a uniform method of transferring a municipal court judgment into district court.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Warnick, Rodne, Campbell, O'Brien, Lantz, Goodman and Moeller.

Hearing Date: 1/23/07

Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

Municipal courts and municipal departments within district courts have jurisdiction to process civil and criminal violations of city ordinances, many of which can result in monetary penalties. Municipal courts and municipal departments do not have jurisdiction to issue orders of attachment and garnishment, which can be used to enforce monetary judgments. Municipal courts and municipal departments often assign unpaid money judgments to collection agencies.

District courts have jurisdiction over civil actions where the amount at issue is not more than $50,000. District courts can use garnishment and attachment to enforce judgments. They do not have authority to issue liens on real property.

Summary of Bill:

District courts are granted jurisdiction over proceedings to civilly enforce any money judgment from a municipal court or municipal department of a district court. The proceeding may be brought in the district where the municipal court or municipal department is located. Once transferred, the municipal judgment is recognized as a judgment of the district court. The district court may not vacate or amend the judgment. The district court filing fee to transfer the judgment is $31.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.