SMALL CLAIMS COURT JURISDICTION S.B. 269:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 269 (as introduced 3-16-11)
Sponsor: Senator Tonya Schuitmaker
Committee: Judiciary
Date Completed: 4-11-11
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to increase the jurisdiction of the small claims division of district court (small claims court) from $3,000 to $10,000, as of September 1, 2011.
MCL 600.8401
BACKGROUND
The small claims court offers a forum for people to resolve relatively minor disputes without the expense of retaining an attorney or the formal procedures of higher courts. Parties to an action in small claims court waive the right to an attorney, to trial by jury, to recover more than the applicable jurisdictional amount, and, generally, to an appeal. The jurisdiction of the small claims court is limited to cases for the recovery of money.
Public Act 27 of 1999 amended the RJA to increase the small claims court's jurisdictional limit from $1,750 to $3,000, as of January 1, 2000.
Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Matthew Grabowski
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb269/1112