ENGROSSED SENATE BILL 815 - Summary

• Increases the monetary threshold for small claims actions from $6,000 to $25,000 for recovery of money based on contract or tort, replevin of personal property, and interpleader actions.

• Requires plaintiffs filing small claims affidavits to include a statement acknowledging they are disclaiming the right to a trial by jury on the merits of the case.

• Updates corresponding provisions in the civil procedure code regarding claim transfers, counterclaims, and setoffs to reflect the new $25,000 threshold.

• Effective date is November 1, 2009.