HB297 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve ClouseRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Courts, circuit, district and small claims division, jurisdictional limits increased, contempt of court, maximum fine increased, Secs.12-11-30, 12-12-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, 12-19-72 am'd.

Summary

HB297 would raise the district court's small claims limit to $6,000 and give the circuit court concurrent jurisdiction with district court for cases between $6,000 and $10,000, while keeping filing fees the same.

What This Bill Does

The bill expands the small claims division of the district court to handle disputes up to $6,000. It also allows the circuit court to share jurisdiction with the district court for civil cases exceeding $6,000 but less than $10,000. For higher amounts, the circuit court retains exclusive jurisdiction, and the overall structure of district and circuit court responsibilities remains, with filing fees adjusted to reflect the changes but not increased. It keeps existing contempt penalties at their current levels.

Who It Affects

• Individuals and businesses with civil claims up to $6,000: will be able to use the district court's small claims division for larger disputes (up to $6,000) than before.
• Individuals and businesses with civil claims between $6,000 and $10,000: can choose to file in either the district court (small claims division) or the circuit court due to concurrent jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

• Small claims division of the district court jurisdiction increased from $3,000 to $6,000.
• Circuit court gains concurrent original jurisdiction with the district court for cases exceeding $6,000 but not more than $10,000.
• District court retains exclusive jurisdiction for civil actions over $10,000; up to $6,000 remains within the district's small claims division.
• Filing fees and their distribution are revised to reflect the new jurisdiction but the amounts remain the same as before the revisions.
• Contempt penalties remain: fines up to $100 and imprisonment up to 5 days.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure