Existing law requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if the amount of the demand in a small claims case is more than $5,000.

This bill would instead require a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $6,250, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $6,250.

Existing law requires a uniform filing fee of $205 for the first paper in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less. Existing law requires the first paper to state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. Existing law also requires a $205 filing fee for a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellative division of the superior court if the amount demanded in a limited civil case, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $12,500 or less.

Existing law requires, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. Existing law also requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the revised amount demanded exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000.

Existing law requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if the amount of the demand in a small claims case is more than $5,000.

This bill would instead require a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $6,250, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $6,250.

Existing law requires a uniform filing fee of $205 for the first paper in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less. Existing law requires the first paper to state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. Existing law also requires a $205 filing fee for a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellative division of the superior court if the amount demanded in a limited civil case, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $12,500 or less.

Existing law requires, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. Existing law also requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the revised amount demanded exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000.

Existing law requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if the amount of the demand in a small claims case is more than $5,000.

This bill would instead require a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $7,500, $6,250, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $7,500. $6,250.

Existing law requires a uniform filing fee of $205 for the first paper in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less. Existing law requires the first paper to state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. Existing law also requires a $205 filing fee for a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellative division of the superior court if the amount demanded in a limited civil case, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $12,500 or less.

Existing law requires, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. Existing law also requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the revised amount demanded exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000.

Existing law requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if the amount of the demand in a small claims case is more than $5,000.

This bill would instead require a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $7,500, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $7,500.

Existing law requires a uniform filing fee of $205 for the first paper in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less. Existing law requires the first paper to state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. Existing law also requires a $205 filing fee for a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellative division of the superior court if the amount demanded in a limited civil case, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $10,000 or less.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the amount demanded, excluding attorneys fees and costs, is $12,500 or less.

Existing law requires, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. Existing law also requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

This bill would revise these provisions to apply to cases where the revised amount demanded exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 2781

Author: Committee on Judiciary , et al.

Amended: 4/8/26 in Assembly

Vote: 21

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: 11-0, 6/16/26

AYES: Umberg, Niello, Allen, Caballero, Durazo, Laird, Reyes, Stern, Valladares, Wahab, Wiener

NO VOTE RECORDED: Ashby, Weber Pierson

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 5/4/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Civil cases: filing fees

SOURCE: Superior Court of Los Angeles County

DIGEST:

This bill adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023). Specifically, this bill updates Government Codes sections 70613, 70613.5, 70614, and 70621, and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.23.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes, through the Small Claims Act, small claims divisions in each superior court and establishes procedural guidelines for minor civil disputes in order to expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly resolve such matters. (Code of Civil Procedure (Civ. Proc.) §§ 116.110 et seq.)
2. Provides that small claims courts have jurisdiction over specified cases, including for recovery of money, enforcement of delinquent tax payments, if the amount demanded does not exceed specified amounts ranging from $3,125 to $8,125. In addition to this jurisdiction, the small claims court has jurisdiction over actions brought by a natural person that do not seek more than $12,500. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.220, 116.221.)
3. Requires each county to make available individual assistance to advise small claims litigants and potential litigants without charge. (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.260.)
4. Provides that small claims actions do not require formal pleadings outside of a simplified claim form and do not permit pretrial discovery. Plaintiffs may not be represented by an attorney and have a limited right to appeal. The hearing and disposition must be informal with the object to dispense justice promptly, fairly, and inexpensively. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.310-116.330, 116.510-116.530, 116.710.)
5. Provides that notwithstanding any law, including but not limited to, a law that classified an action or special proceeding as a limited civil case, an action or special proceeding shall be treated as a limited civil case only if all of the following conditions are satisfied, as specified:
   1. The amount in controversy does not exceed $35,000;
   2. The relief sought may be granted in a limited civil case; and
   3. The relief sought is exclusively of a type described in one or more laws that classify an action or special proceeding as a limited civil case or that provide that an action or special proceeding is within the original jurisdiction of the superior court, including, but not limited to, 22 specified provisions. (Code Civ. Proc. § 85.)      
6. Designates a series of specific civil cases that are to be deemed limited civil cases where the amount in controversy is no more than $35,000. Additional cases in equity are also identified. (Code Civ. Proc. § 86.)   
7. Provides that a civil action or proceeding other than a limited civil case may be referred to as an unlimited civil case. (Code Civ. Proc. § 88.)
8. Provides that in limited civil cases the pleadings allowed are complaints, answers, cross–complaints, answers to cross-complaints, and general demurrers. Special demurrers are not allowed, and motions to strike are only allowed on the ground that the damages or relief sought are not supported by the allegations of the complaint. (Code Civ. Proc. § 92.) A plaintiff may serve, and a defendant must then also complete, case questionnaires to elicit fundamental information regarding each party’s case. (Code Civ. Proc. § 93.)
9. Imposes limits on discovery in limited civil cases. The court may authorize a party to conduct additional discovery as provided. The parties may also stipulate to additional discovery. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 94, 95.)
10. Authorizes any party to appeal any judgment or final order in limited cases in accordance with the law governing appeals. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 99-100.)
11. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. The first page of the first paper shall state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. (Government (Gov.) Code § 70613.)
12. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case on behalf of any party other than a plaintiff is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. (Gov. Code § 70614.)
13. Provides that if the amount demanded in the limited civil case, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, the fee for filing a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellate division of the superior court is $205. (Gov. Code § 70621.)
14. Requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if a small claims case is more than $5,000. (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.230.)
15. Requires that, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. (Gov. Code § 70613.5 (a).)
16. Requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. (Gov. Code § 70613.5 (b).)

This bill:

1. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $12,500 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. The first page of the first paper shall state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $12,500.
2. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case on behalf of any party other than a plaintiff is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs is $12,500 or less, the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205.
3. Provides that if the amount demanded in the limited civil case, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $12,500 or less, the fee for filing a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellate division of the superior court is $205.
4. Requires a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $6,250, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $6,250.
5. Requires that, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.
6. Requires that, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

Background

Civil matters in California courts are broken up into three separate tiers. The jurisdiction of each is largely determined by the amount in controversy in the underlying case. The lower tiers, small claims court and limited civil cases, provide for restricted discovery and representation rights. The goal of maintaining these lower tiers is to expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly resolve more minor civil disputes. SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023) was enacted to increase the jurisdictional limits which had not been updated in decades. SB 71 increased the threshold for cases within the jurisdiction of the small claims court brought by a natural defendant from $10,000 to $12,500, as specified. The bill also raised the limit for small claims court jurisdiction in other specified actions. The bill raised the current jurisdictional limit for most limited civil cases from $25,000 to $35,000.

The author brings this bill on behalf of its sponsor, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, which asserts that the courts have experienced a revenue loss since they are collecting filing fees based on prior amount in controversy levels. This bill adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71. Specifically, this bill updates Government Codes sections 70613, 70613.5, 70614, and 70621, and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.23.

Comments

According to the author:

When the Legislature enacted SB 71 to raise the amount in controversy levels that guide filings in various civil cases, the Legislature did not make the corresponding adjustment to the amount in controversy references in various filing fee statutes. This has resulted in revenue losses for the courts as they are currently collecting filing fees based on the prior amount in controversy levels. In these difficult budget times, when every dollar matters for state agencies, this bill would adjust the filing fees to reflect accurate jurisdiction for filing civil matters.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, sponsor of the bill, writes the following in support of AB 2781:

Senate Bill 71 increased jurisdictional limits for small claims and limited civil cases, expanding small claims jurisdiction to $6,250 or $12,500 for actions filed by a natural person, and raising the limited civil jurisdictional cap from $25,000 to $35,000. These changes took effect on January 1, 2024.

However, several statutes governing civil filing fees, including Government Code Sections 70613, 70613.5, 70621, as well as Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.23, still reference outdated monetary thresholds. As a result, the current law contains conflicting fee triggers based on the amount in controversy rather than case designation. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for litigants, complicates processing for court staff, and risks inconsistent fee application across California. AB 2781 addresses these issues by updating and harmonizing filing fee statutes to reflect the jurisdictional structure established by SB 71. Specifically, the bill ensures that limited civil filing fees apply uniformly to all cases with amounts in controversy of $35,000 or less and eliminates outdated and confusing monetary thresholds.

These technical amendments will eliminate conflicting statutory language, promote consistent statewide application of filing fees regardless of county, reduce confusion for litigants, including self-represented litigants, and lessen administrative burdens on courts by reducing the risk of erroneous fee collection.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/1/26)

Superior Court of Los Angeles County (source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/1/26)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 5/4/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Ward, Wicks, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bennett, Caloza, Chen, Flora, Wallis, Wilson

Prepared by: Margie Estrada / JUD. / (916) 651-4113

7/1/26 16:55:23

**** END ****

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Senator Thomas Umberg, Chair

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill No: AB 2781 (Author:Committee on Judiciary)

Version: April 8, 2026

Hearing Date: June 16, 2026

Fiscal: Yes

Urgency: No

Consultant: ME

SUBJECT

Civil cases: filing fees

DIGEST

This bill adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023). Specifically, this bill updates Government Codes sections 70613, 70613.5, 70614, and 70621, and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.23.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Civil matters in California courts are broken up into three separate tiers. The jurisdiction of each is largely determined by the amount in controversy in the underlying case. The lower tiers, small claims court and limited civil cases, provide for restricted discovery and representation rights. The goal of maintaining these lower tiers is to expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly resolve more minor civil disputes. SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023) was enacted to increase the jurisdictional limits which had not been updated in decades. SB 71 increased the threshold for cases within the jurisdiction of the small claims court brought by a natural defendant from $10,000 to $12,500, as specified. The bill also raised the limit for small claims court jurisdiction in other specified actions. The bill raised the current jurisdictional limit for most limited civil cases from $25,000 to $35,000.

The author brings this bill on behalf of its sponsor, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, which asserts that the courts have experienced a revenue loss since they are collecting filing fees based on prior amount in controversy levels. This bill adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71. Specifically, this bill updates Government Codes sections 70613, 70613.5, 70614, and 70621, and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.23.

There is no known opposition to this bill. Should the bill pass out of this Committee, it will then be referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAW

Existing law:

1. Establishes, through the Small Claims Act, small claims divisions in each superior court and establishes procedural guidelines for minor civil disputes in order to expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly resolve such matters. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.110 et seq.)
2. Provides that small claims courts have jurisdiction over specified cases, including for recovery of money, enforcement of delinquent tax payments, if the amount demanded does not exceed specified amounts ranging from $3,125 to $8,125. In addition to this jurisdiction, the small claims court has jurisdiction over actions brought by a natural person that do not seek more than $12,500. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.220, 116.221.)
3. Requires each county to make available individual assistance to advise small claims litigants and potential litigants without charge. (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.260.)
4. Provides that small claims actions do not require formal pleadings outside of a simplified claim form and do not permit pretrial discovery. Plaintiffs may not be represented by an attorney and have a limited right to appeal. The hearing and disposition must be informal with the object to dispense justice promptly, fairly, and inexpensively. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.310-116.330, 116.510-116.530, 116.710.)
5. Provides that notwithstanding any law, including but not limited to, a law that classified an action or special proceeding as a limited civil case, an action or special proceeding shall be treated as a limited civil case only if all of the following conditions are satisfied, as specified:
   1. The amount in controversy does not exceed $35,000;
   2. The relief sought may be granted in a limited civil case; and
   3. The relief sought is exclusively of a type described in one or more laws that classify an action or special proceeding as a limited civil case or that provide that an action or special proceeding is within the original jurisdiction of the superior court, including, but not limited to, 22 specified provisions. (Code Civ. Proc. § 85.)      
6. Designates a series of specific civil cases that are to be deemed limited civil cases where the amount in controversy is no more than $35,000. Additional cases in equity are also identified. (Code Civ. Proc. § 86.)   
7. Provides that a civil action or proceeding other than a limited civil case may be referred to as an unlimited civil case. (Code Civ. Proc. § 88.)
8. Provides that in limited civil cases the pleadings allowed are complaints, answers, cross–complaints, answers to cross-complaints, and general demurrers. Special demurrers are not allowed, and motions to strike are only allowed on the ground that the damages or relief sought are not supported by the allegations of the complaint. (Code Civ. Proc. § 92.) A plaintiff may serve, and a defendant must then also complete, case questionnaires to elicit fundamental information regarding each party’s case. (Code Civ. Proc. § 93.)
9. Imposes limits on discovery in limited civil cases. The court may authorize a party to conduct additional discovery as provided. The parties may also stipulate to additional discovery. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 94, 95.)
10. Authorizes any party to appeal any judgment or final order in limited cases in accordance with the law governing appeals. (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 99-100.)
11. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. The first page of the first paper shall state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $10,000. (Gov. Code § 70613.)
12. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case on behalf of any party other than a plaintiff is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. (Gov. Code § 70614.)
13. Provides that if the amount demanded in the limited civil case, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $10,000 or less, the fee for filing a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellate division of the superior court is $205. (Gov. Code § 70621.)
14. Requires a filing fee of $50 in a small claims case where the demand is more than $1500 but less than or equal to $5,000, and a filing fee of $75 if a small claims case is more than $5,000. (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.230.)
15. Requires that, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. (Gov. Code § 70613.5 (a).)
16. Requires, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $25,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. (Gov. Code § 70613.5 (b).)

This bill:

1. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $12,500 or less, in which case the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205. The first page of the first paper shall state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed $12,500.
2. Provides that the uniform fee for filing the first paper in a limited civil case on behalf of any party other than a plaintiff is $330, except in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs is $12,500 or less, the uniform fee for filing the first paper is $205.
3. Provides that if the amount demanded in the limited civil case, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is $12,500 or less, the fee for filing a petition for a writ or a notice of appeal to the appellate division of the superior court is $205.
4. Requires a filing fee of $50 for small claims cases with a demand of more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $6,250, and a filing fee of $75 for cases if the amount of the demand is more than $6,250.
5. Requires that, if a plaintiff or petitioner files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.
6. Requires that, if a party files a cross-complaint, amended cross-complaint, or amendment to a cross-complaint demanding an amount that exceeds $12,500 but does not exceed $35,000, a fee equal to the difference between the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount to be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees.

COMMENTS

1. Updates the codes regarding filing fees that were impacted by SB 71

This bill is a technical clean-up bill that adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023). Civil matters in California courts are broken up into three separate tiers. The jurisdiction of each is largely determined by the amount in controversy in the underlying case. The lower tiers, small claims court and limited civil cases, provide for restricted discovery and representation rights. The goal of maintaining these lower tiers is to expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly resolve more minor civil disputes. SB 71 was enacted to increase the jurisdictional limits which had not been updated in decades. SB 71 increased the threshold for cases within the jurisdiction of the small claims court brought by a natural defendant from $10,000 to $12,500, as specified. The bill raised the limit for small claims court jurisdiction in other specified actions. The bill raised the current jurisdictional limit for most limited civil cases from $25,000 to $35,000.

The author, the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, brings this bill on behalf of its sponsor, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, which asserts that the courts have experienced a revenue loss since they are collecting filing fees based on prior amount in controversy levels. This bill adjusts the filing fee statutes to reflect the current amounts in controversy that were enacted through SB 71.

According to the author:

When the Legislature enacted SB 71 to raise the amount in controversy levels that guide filings in various civil cases, the Legislature did not make the corresponding adjustment to the amount in controversy references in various filing fee statutes. This has resulted in revenue losses for the courts as they are currently collecting filing fees based on the prior amount in controversy levels. In these difficult budget times, when every dollar matters for state agencies, this bill would adjust the filing fees to reflect accurate jurisdiction for filing civil matters.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, sponsor of the bill, writes the following in support of AB 2781:

Senate Bill 71 increased jurisdictional limits for small claims and limited civil cases, expanding small claims jurisdiction to $6,250 or $12,500 for actions filed by a natural person, and raising the limited civil jurisdictional cap from $25,000 to $35,000. These changes took effect on January 1, 2024.

However, several statutes governing civil filing fees, including Government Code Sections 70613, 70613.5, 70621, as well as Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.23, still reference outdated monetary thresholds. As a result, the current law contains conflicting fee triggers based on the amount in controversy rather than case designation. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for litigants, complicates processing for court staff, and risks inconsistent fee application across California. AB 2781 addresses these issues by updating and harmonizing filing fee statutes to reflect the jurisdictional structure established by SB 71. Specifically, the bill ensures that limited civil filing fees apply uniformly to all cases with amounts in controversy of $35,000 or less and eliminates outdated and confusing monetary thresholds.

These technical amendments will eliminate conflicting statutory language, promote consistent statewide application of filing fees regardless of county, reduce confusion for litigants, including self-represented litigants, and lessen administrative burdens on courts by reducing the risk of erroneous fee collection.

SUPPORT

Superior Court of Los Angeles County (sponsor)

OPPOSITION

None known

RELATED LEGISLATION

Pending legislation: AB 1827 (Chen, 2026) increases the small claims amount in controversy level to $15,000. AB 1827 is currently in this Committee.

Prior legislation: SB 71 (Umberg, Ch. 861, Stats. 2023) increased the threshold for cases within the jurisdiction of the small claims court brought by a natural defendant from $10,000 to $12,500. The bill also raised the limit for small claims court jurisdiction in other specified actions. The bill raised the jurisdictional limit for limited civil cases, as specified, from $25,000 to $35,000.

PRIOR VOTES:

Assembly Floor (Ayes 73, Noes 0)

Assembly Appropriations Committee (Ayes 13, Noes 0)

Assembly Judiciary Committee (Ayes 12, Noes 0)

**************

Date of Hearing: April 22, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2781

Author:(Committee on Judiciary) – As Amended Ver:April 8, 2026

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill updates the filing fee statutes to reflect recent updates to jurisdictional limits in small claim and limited civil matters.

FISCAL EFFECT:

No known state costs. Potential additional revenue to the courts associated with a clarified fee schedule.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. California’s trial courts are divided into three tiers of cases depending on the amount-in-controversy in a given case. The filing fees associated with each tier differ; the higher the tier, the greater the fee, reflecting the additional court costs associated with adjudicating more complex cases. In 2023, the Legislature updated the jurisdictional limits associated with the bottom two tiers. SB 71 (Umberg) Chapter 861, Statutes of 2023, expanded the small claims court’s jurisdiction to $6,250 or $12,500 for actions filed by a natural person and raised the amount for limited civil cases from $25,000 to $35,000. But there remain some outdated references to the previous jurisdictional limits throughout several codes, including filing fee statutes. The Superior Court of Los Angeles, this bill’s sponsor, reports that the outdated references have resulted in courts receiving inadequate filing fees. To address this issue, this bill corrects this unintentional oversight by updating various filing fee statutes to reflect the jurisdictional amounts originally intended in SB 71.
2. Related Legislation. AB 1827 (Chen) increases and standardizes the jurisdictional limit for small claims court to $15,000 for all causes of action and increases the number of small claims actions exceeding $2,500 that a person may file per calendar year from two to three. That bill is pending on this committee’s suspense file.

Analysis Prepared by: Shiran Zohar / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 14, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Ash Kalra, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2781

Author:(Committee on Judiciary) – As Amended Ver:April 8, 2026

proposed consent

SUBJECT: Civil cases: filing fees

KEY ISSUE: should the legislature update civil fee filing statutes to align with recently enacted changes to jurisdictional limits?

SYNOPSIS

In response to the inflationary impacts of the post-pandemic economy, in 2023, the Legislature enacted SB 71 (Umberg) Chap. 861, Stats. 2023 to raise the jurisdictional limits for civil actions filed as a small claim, limited civil, or unlimited civil matter. While SB 71 made consistent changes to limited and unlimited civil jurisdictions, the bill did not evenly apply to small claim matters. This uneven application to small claims courts also resulted in outdated references in various filing fees. Additionally, several other filing fee statutes reflecting the new amount in controversy for limited civil cases were not updated as part of the previous legislation, resulting in courts receiving inadequate filing fees.

This bill would address these issues by updating and harmonizing filing fee statutes with the jurisdictional structure established by SB 71. This bill is sponsored by the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles and has no registered opposition on file.

SUMMARY: Updates several filing fee statutes to reflect recent updates to jurisdictional limits and makes other technical changes. Specifically, this bill:

1. Clarifies that the jurisdictional amount associated with certain filing fees in small claims court cases is six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250) rather than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
2. Clarifies that the jurisdictional limit associated with certain filing fees in small claims court cases filed by a natural person is twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) rather than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
3. Clarifies that the jurisdictional limit associated with certain filing fees in limited cases is thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) rather than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
4. Makes various technical and conforming changes across numerous code sections to implement the provisions of 1), 2), and 3).

EXISTING LAW:

1. Provides that a small claims court maintains jurisdiction over the following claims:
   1. For recovery of money, if the amount of the demand does not exceed six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250);
   2. To enforce payment of delinquent unsecured personal property taxes in an amount not to exceed six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250), as specified;
   3. To issue a writ of possession if the amount of the demand does not exceed six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250), as specified;
   4. To confirm, correct, or vacate a fee arbitration award not exceeding six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250) between an attorney and client that is binding or has become binding, or to conduct a hearing de novo between an attorney and client after nonbinding arbitration of a fee dispute involving no more than six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250), as specified; and
   5. For an injunction or other equitable relief only when a statute expressly authorizes a small claims court to award that relief. (Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.220 (a).)
2. Provides that, in addition to the matters outlined in 1), the small claims court has jurisdiction in an action brought by a natural person, if the amount of the demand does not exceed twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500). (Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.221.)
3. Prohibits a person from bringing more than two small claims actions worth more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in a calendar year, as specified. (Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.231.)
4. Provides that, in a case where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is ten thousand dollars or less, the uniform fee for filing the first paper is two hundred five dollars ($205). The first page of the first paper shall state whether the amount demanded exceeds or does not exceed ten thousand dollars. (Government Code Section 70613.)
5. Provides that if a plaintiff or petitioner who previously was charged the filing fee under 4) files an amended complaint or other initial pleading that increases the amount demanded to an amount that exceeds ten thousand dollars but does not exceed twenty five thousand dollars so that the higher filing fee 4) would have been required if such a demand had been made in the original pleading, a fee equal to the difference between the fee for the original filing fee and the filing fee for the new amount demanded shall be charged to make up the difference between the filing fees. Specifies this fee will be distributed to the Trial Court Trust Fund. (Government Code Section 70613.5.)
6. Provides an action or special proceeding is treated as a limited civil case if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
   1. The amount in controversy does not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000).
   2. The relief sought is a type that may be granted in a limited civil case.
   3. The relief sought, whether in the complaint, a cross-complaint, or otherwise, is exclusively of a type described in one or more laws that classify an action or special proceeding as a limited civil case or that provide that an action or special proceeding is within the original jurisdiction of the superior court. (Code of Civil Procedure 85.)

FISCAL EFFECT: As currently in print this bill is keyed fiscal.

COMMENTS: To promote judicial efficiency California’s civil justice system is divided into three tiers depending on the amount in controversy (the value of the claims to be adjudicated) in a given matter. The idea behind the tiered system is that the greater the amount in controversy, the greater the complexity of a case, thus necessitating more time and tools to adjudicate the matter. Because of the impact of post-pandemic inflation, the Legislature enacted SB 71 (Umberg) Chap. 861, Stats. 2023 to increase these amount-in-controversy amounts. Specifically, the bill expanded the small claims court’s jurisdiction to $6,250 or $12,500 for actions filed by a natural person and raised the amount for limited civil cases from $25,000 to $35,000. For the most part, the bill did this successfully; however, there remain some outdated references to the previous jurisdictional limits throughout several codes, including filing fee statutes. As a result of these outdated references in filing fee statutes, courts have been receiving inadequate filing fees.

According to the author:

When the Legislature enacted SB 71 to raise the amount in controversy levels that guide filings in various civil cases, the Legislature did not make the corresponding adjustment to the amount in controversy references in various filing fee statutes. This has resulted in revenue losses for the courts as they are currently collecting filing fees based on the prior amount in controversy levels. In these difficult budget times, when every dollar matters for state agencies, this bill would adjust the filing fees to reflect accurate jurisdiction for filing civil matters.

To address this issue, this bill simply corrects this unintentional oversight by updating various filing fee statutes to reflect the jurisdictional amounts originally intended in SB 71. Currently, Government Codes Section 70613, 70613.5, 70614, 70621, as well as Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.23, still reference outdated monetary thresholds. Throughout those codes, this bill would update those references and clarify that the jurisdictional amounts associated with certain filing fees are as follows:

1. Six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250) in small claims court cases;
2. Twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) in small claims court cases filed by a natural person; and
3. Thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) in limited cases.

Given that courts have been unable to collect adequate fees because of the current errors in existing law, this bill’s update seems both reasonable and necessary.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, the sponsor of the bill, states the following in support of the bill:

Senate Bill 71 increased jurisdictional limits for small claims and limited civil cases, expanding small claims jurisdiction to $6,250 or $12,500 for actions filed by a natural person, and raising the limited civil jurisdictional cap from $25,000 to $35,000. These changes took effect on January 1, 2024.

However, several statutes governing civil filing fees, including Government Code Sections 70613, 70613.5, 70621, as well as Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.23, still reference outdated monetary thresholds. As a result, the current law contains conflicting fee triggers based on the amount in controversy rather than case designation. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for litigants, complicates processing for court staff, and risks inconsistent fee application across California. AB 2781 addresses these issues by updating and harmonizing filing fee statutes to reflect the jurisdictional structure established by SB 71. Specifically, the bill ensures that limited civil filing fees apply uniformly to all cases with amounts in controversy of $35,000 or less and eliminates outdated and confusing monetary thresholds.

These technical amendments will eliminate conflicting statutory language, promote consistent statewide application of filing fees regardless of county, reduce confusion for litigants, including self-represented litigants, and lessen administrative burdens on courts by reducing the risk of erroneous fee collection.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Superior Court of Los Angeles County (sponsor)

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Kristian Wright / JUD. / (916) 319-2334