ND HB1141

Amends North Dakota Century Code Section 27-08.1-01 to include disputes over earnest money or other money deposits from real property purchase contracts within small claims court jurisdiction.

Allows small claims court proceedings for earnest money disputes to be filed in the county where the defendant resides or where the real property is located, unless plaintiff and defendant consent in writing to a different county.

Maintains the $15,000 jurisdictional limit for small claims court cases involving money recovery or agreement cancellation based on fraud, deception, misrepresentation, or false promise.

Prevents defendants from removing earnest money dispute cases to their county of residence (unlike other small claims actions), keeping venue options limited to defendant's residence or property location.

Passed House with 89-2 vote and Senate with 44-1 vote during the 2015 regular session.