SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5198

BYSenators Nelson, Anderson, Williams, Conner and Kiskaddon

Increasing the jurisdictional amount in small claims court.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Small claims courts, which are departments of the district courts, presently have a jurisdictional limit of $1,000. Proceedings in small claims courts are generally conducted in an informal manner without formal pleadings and attorney involvement.  The object of the hearings is to provide justice to the parties as expeditiously as possible.

Generally, the courts of limited jurisdiction are experiencing an increase in work loads and raising the jurisdictional limits of small claims courts would help to alleviate some court congestion.

SUMMARY:

The jurisdiction of small claims court is increased to $5,000.

Fiscal Note:      none requested