An Act To Increase the Jurisdictional Limit for Small Claims

Sec. 1. 14 MRSA §7482,  as amended by PL 1997, c. 23, §1, is further amended to read:

§ 7482. Definition of a small claim

A "small claim" means a right of action cognizable by a court if the debt or damage does not exceed $4,500 $10,000 exclusive of interest and costs. It does not include an action involving the title to real estate.

The filing fee for an action brought under this section with a claim of damage of up to $4,500 is $50. The filing fee for an action brought under this section with a claim of damage over $4,500 to $10,000 is $120.

Effective July 1, 1997 and every 4 years after that date, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters shall review the monetary limit on small claims actions and the Judicial Department shall periodically provide information and comments on the monetary limit on small claims actions to that committee.

summary

This bill increases the jurisdictional limit for small claims damages from $4,500 to $10,000 and increases the filing fee for small claims actions for damages over $4,500 to $120.