CT HB05505

Establishes the Connecticut Center for Commercial Claims within the Superior Court to handle commercial cases with claims exceeding $500,000, effective July 1, 2018.

Defines "commercial cases" broadly to include breach of contract, business torts, Uniform Commercial Code transactions, commercial real property, shareholder actions, and business-related malpractice, but excludes employment discrimination claims.

Requires parties to jointly select three judges or judge trial referees from a list of at least 30 candidates within two weeks of case transfer, with the Chief Court Administrator designating one; if parties cannot agree, the Administrator designates the judge.

Assesses parties a $25 per diem fee for each day cases remain on the center's docket, with fees directed to fund legal services for the poor through the lawyers' clients' trust account program.

Mandates court rules establishing accelerated procedures including mandatory one-day mediation, dispositive motion decisions within 30 days, and trial readiness within nine months of case transfer.