HB262 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Courts, district, small claims division, jurisdiction increased, filing fees remain as were before increased jurisdiction, Secs. 12-11-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, 12-19-72 am'd.

Summary

HB262 would raise the district court's small claims limit from $3,000 to $6,000 while keeping filing fees at their current levels.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the district court's small claims division would handle cases with up to $6,000 in controversy. The bill also updates related fee statutes to reflect the new limit but leaves the actual filing fee amounts and how they are distributed the same as before. The change may move more cases into small claims and simplifies procedures for those cases; it also preserves existing rules about representation and attorney fees in small claims (attorney fees generally not allowed unless represented by an attorney). The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Parties with claims up to $6,000 in civil matters in district court; they could file in the district court's small claims division instead of regular district court, potentially speeding things up.
• Attorneys and non-attorney representatives involved in small claims cases; representation rules apply (e.g., attorney fees require attorney; certain entities' ability to file via non-attorney reps is limited) and the fee distribution remains as currently structured.

Key Provisions

• Increases small claims division jurisdiction to $6,000 (up from $3,000).
• District court small claims docket becomes the venue for cases up to $6,000; district vs circuit court jurisdiction boundaries updated accordingly.
• Revises Sections 12-11-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, and 12-19-72 to reflect the higher limit while keeping filing fees and their distribution at current amounts.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Courts