AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS

This bill modifies how appeals are handled in small claims and consumer cases by requiring both plaintiffs and defendants to sign a written waiver of their right to appeal before filing their initial claim or counterclaim. It adjusts the specific fees associated with filing these claims and pursuing appeals, directing a portion of the initial payment toward a dedicated fund for small claims mediation services. Additionally, the legislation establishes a rule where a consumer defendant who fails to respond to a lawsuit will lose the ability to appeal the resulting judgment or request a new trial in a higher court. These changes aim to streamline the legal process for minor disputes while creating a specific financial mechanism to support mediation efforts.