HB232 Summary

• Increases district court small claims jurisdiction limit from $3,000 to $6,000 in matters in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs.

• Raises circuit court concurrent jurisdiction threshold with district court from $3,000 to $6,000 for civil actions.

• Establishes tiered filing fees for small claims cases: $35 for claims up to $1,500; $109 for claims exceeding $1,500 but not exceeding $3,000; and $198 for claims exceeding $3,000 but not exceeding $10,000.

• Modifies filing fee distributions to direct revenues to Fair Trial Tax Fund, State General Fund, Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund, and county general funds based on case type and amount.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.