SB 71: Jurisdiction: small claims and limited civil case.

Existing law provides that the small claims court has jurisdiction over actions seeking certain forms of relief, including money damages in specified amounts and claims brought by natural persons, not exceeding $10,000, except as specified. Existing law requires an action or special proceeding to be treated as a limited civil case if certain conditions exist, including, among others, that the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000.

This bill would increase the small claims court jurisdiction over actions brought by a natural person, if the amount does not exceed $12,500, except as specified, and would also increase the amount in controversy permitted in other specified actions within the jurisdiction of the small claims court. The bill would increase the limit on the amount in controversy for an action or special proceeding to be treated as a limited civil case to $35,000. The bill would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes to these provisions and make conforming changes.