SB0186 Summary

• Increases damage award caps in Court of Claims tort cases from $100,000 to $500,000 for general claims, and establishes a $2,000,000 cap for cases involving State vehicle operation.

• Raises the threshold for claims requiring written opinions from $5,000 to $50,000, and increases the filing fee threshold from $5,000 to $50,000 for immediate payment authorization.

• Allows a single judge to issue binding decisions on lapsed appropriation claims and Crime Victims Compensation Act claims (previously required 4-judge concurrence).

• Simplifies filing fee structure by removing the "more than $50" threshold, now imposing $15 fee for awards less than $1,000 and $35 for awards of $1,000 or more.

• Adds new Section 8(j), 16 subsection, 18 subsection, 21 subsection, and 24(1.5) clarifying that amendments apply only to claims filed on or after the effective date of the 99th General Assembly.