What's happening
This bill increases the monetary jurisdiction limit of justice courts from $3,000 to $5,000 for civil cases.
Why it matters
Expands access to small claims justice. By raising the cap from $3,000 to $5,000, more individuals and small businesses can resolve higher-value disputes in justice courts, which are generally less formal, less expensive, and quicker than higher courts.
Reduces barriers for counterclaims. Parties can now bring counterclaims up to $5,000, potentially allowing for more complete resolution of related disputes within a single, lower court case.
Reflects economic changes. The increase aligns the jurisdictional limit with inflation and the rising cost of goods and services since the last adjustment in 1977, making the courts more relevant for today’s financial realities.
May alleviate caseload pressure on higher courts. Allowing justice courts to handle larger claims could reduce the burden on more expensive and complex courts, improving efficiency across the judicial system.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Raise Small Claims Court Limit
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Multi-sponsor
History
- Referred to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8864
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
December 18, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. THIELE -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CROUCH -- read once and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the uniform justice court act, in relation to the monetary jurisdiction of justice courts
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision a of section 201 of the uniform justice court act, as amended by chapter 685 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows:
a. The court shall have jurisdiction as set forth in this article and as elsewhere provided by law, subject, in the case of a city court governed by this act, to the limitations stated in § 2300 (b) (2) (i) of this act. The phrase "[$3000] $5000", whenever it appears herein, shall be taken to mean "[$3000] $5000 exclusive of interest and costs", except that, in the case of a city court governed by this act whose monetary jurisdiction is, pursuant to § 2300 (b) (2) (i) of this act, below [$3000] $5000, it shall be taken to mean such lesser sum as is applicable in the particular court, exclusive of interest and costs.
§ 2. Section 202 of the uniform justice court act, as amended by chapter 685 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows: § 202. Money actions and actions to recover chattels.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court shall have jurisdiction of actions and proceedings for the recovery of money or chattels where the amount sought to be recovered or the value of the property does not exceed [$3000] $5000.
§ 3. Section 208 of the uniform justice court act, as amended by chapter 685 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows: § 208. Counterclaims.
The Court shall have jurisdiction of any counterclaim whose subject matter would be within its jurisdiction if sued upon separately. If a counterclaim for money only in excess of [$3000] $5000 is interposed,
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14268-01-9
A. 8864 2
the court may entertain it to the extent of [$3000] $5000 but it shall be deemed waived as to the excess above [$3000] $5000.
§ 4. Section 211 of the uniform justice court act, as amended by chapter 685 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows: § 211. Joinder of causes of action in complaint; effect on jurisdiction.
Where several causes of action are asserted in the complaint, and each of them would be within the jurisdiction of the court if sued upon separately, the court shall have jurisdiction of the action. In such case judgment may be rendered by the court in excess of [$3000] $5000 if such excess result solely because of such joinder.
§ 5. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.