An Act Increasing The Amount Of Damages That May Be Alleged In A Small Claims Action.
Moreover, the bill introduces a tiered entry fee structure for small claims actions. It specifies that individuals filing claims exceeding $5,000 but not exceeding $10,000 would be subject to an entry fee of $150. This approach is intended to ensure that access to small claims court remains affordable while allowing for larger claims to be litigated effectively. The adjustments in the fee structure address the costs associated with pursuing such claims, which can often deter individuals from seeking relief in small claims court.
House Bill 05679 aims to increase the permissible damages in small claims actions from $5,000 to $10,000. This change is intended to provide individuals with the opportunity to seek a greater amount of compensation for disputes that are resolved in small claims court, thereby streamlining processes for claims of a middle value that may not warrant full litigation. The bill amends section 51-15 of the general statutes to reflect this increase in the damages threshold.
While proponents of HB 05679 argue that the increased threshold and new fee structure will enhance access to justice for claimants with legitimate claims, opponents may voice concerns regarding the potential for increased litigation in small claims court. There are worries that raising the damages limit could burden the court system with more complex cases, which could counteract the original intent of simplifying and expediting resolutions in small claims. As such, discussions surrounding this bill are likely to involve debates over the balance between access to justice and the efficiency of the judicial system.