SB-1103 Summary

• State court administrator must prepare plain English instructions explaining small claims division procedures and how to commence and defend actions, made available electronically and at district court offices.

• Changes filing documents from "affidavits" to "statements of claim" throughout small claims procedures and updates related language and procedures.

• Filing fees established at $25 for claims under $600, $45 for $600-$1,750, and $65 for claims over $1,750, with service fees determined by state court administrative office based on certified mail costs.

• Clarifies service requirements, appearance deadlines (15-45 days), and defendant notice requirements including information about removal rights, available evening/Saturday court hours, and potential default judgment consequences.

• Enables transfer of small claims actions to higher courts when defendants file counterclaims exceeding small claims jurisdiction, with both cases tried together in the appropriate court.