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Updated:   2026-04-09

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Measure
Authors Chen  
Subject Small claims court: jurisdiction.
Relating To relating to small claims court.
Title An act to amend Sections 116.220, 116.221, and 116.231 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to small claims court.
Last Action Dt 2026-03-18
State Amended Assembly
Status In Committee Process
Flags
Vote Req Approp Fiscal Cmte Local Prog Subs Chgs Urgency Tax Levy Active?
Majority No Yes No None No No Y
i
Leginfo Link  
Bill Actions
2026-03-19     Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-18     Read second time and amended.
2026-03-17     From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 17).
2026-03-11     Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-03-10     From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-23     Referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-02-12     From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.
2026-02-11     Read first time. To print.
Versions
Amended Assembly     2026-03-18
Amended Assembly     2026-03-10
Introduced     2026-02-11
Analyses TBD
Latest Text Bill Full Text
Latest Text Digest

Existing law establishes a small claims division, known as a small claims court, in each superior court. 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 $12,500, except as specified. Existing law prohibits a person from filing more than 2 small claims actions in any calendar year in which the amount demanded exceeds $2,500, except as specified.

This bill would increase the small claims court jurisdiction over actions brought by a natural person, except as specified, and other specified actions within the jurisdiction of the small claims court if the amount does not exceed $15,000. The bill would also allow a person to file no more than 3 small claims actions, as specified, in any calendar year.