Connecticut House Bill HB06235

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Amount Of Damages That May Be Claimed In A Small Claims Action.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6235 would significantly impact state laws regarding small claims actions by effectively doubling the upper limit of recoverable damages. This could result in a higher number of cases being processed through the small claims system, as individuals and businesses may find it more feasible to resolve disputes in this jurisdiction rather than opt for more expensive litigation methods available in superior courts. The change could also alleviate some pressure on the court system that handles larger claims.

Summary

House Bill 6235 proposes an amendment to the existing legislation concerning small claims actions. Specifically, it seeks to increase the damage limit that can be claimed in such actions from $5,000 to $12,000. This proposed change aims to provide claimants with greater financial remedy options in small claims court, thereby allowing individuals to seek more substantial damages without having to engage in longer and more complex legal proceedings in higher courts. The rationale for this increase is to reflect the rising costs of litigation and the need for small claims courts to handle more significant disputes effectively.

Contention

However, there are potential points of contention regarding the increase in the damages threshold. Critics may argue that raising the limit could overwhelm the small claims court system with more cases, leading to longer wait times and diminished quality of justice as courts struggle to handle increased volumes. Additionally, concerns may arise about whether small claims procedures are equipped to handle disputes that involve higher amounts of money, which typically require more complex legal considerations. Thus, while the intention is to enhance access to justice, it may also raise questions about the operational capacity of the small claims system.