AR SB333

Plaintiffs filing complaints in circuit or district courts seeking damages must state an amount in controversy to establish subject-matter jurisdiction and determine if the amount is within the court's jurisdictional limits.

The amount in controversy stated by the plaintiff is binding unless the plaintiff subsequently amends the complaint to seek damages exceeding the court's jurisdictional limits, in which case the amendment is governed by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Declares an emergency based on findings that current civil pleading rules are inadequate and that plaintiffs should be required to plead with particularity and be bound by stated amounts in controversy.

Emergency justification cites current strain on judicial dockets and the need to implement new pleading rules without undue delay.

Act becomes effective upon Governor approval, expiration of veto period, or override of a gubernatorial veto by both legislative houses.