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

SB 572 modifies small claims and consumer court procedures by increasing the maximum amount for required counterclaims from $2,500 to $5,000 and simplifying appeal fee structures. It requires plaintiffs to pay a $55 entry fee (with $20 dedicated to a mediation fund) and sets a $75 appeal fee for defendants or plaintiffs appealing counterclaims. The bill also mandates written waivers of appeal rights for both parties and specifies that defaulting defendants in consumer cases forfeit all appeal rights. This directly affects individuals and businesses involved in small claims or consumer disputes under $5,000 in district court.