Rep. Cleary bill would raise limit for small claims referred to Judiciary Committee

    AUGUSTA – Rep. Richard Cleary’s bill to increase the jurisdiction limit for small claims was referred to the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
    Current law allows small claims damages up to $4,500, a limit that was set in 1997. Cleary’s bill would create a new limit of $10,000. Cleary, a Houlton attorney, said that existing law requires a review of the monetary limits every four years.
    “We are due for an increase in the limits on claims to take into account the higher prices of items we purchase,” said Cleary. “At a time when we are trying to streamline state government, we need to look at how the Courts function as well. I believe we can provide easier access to justice for our citizens, save money and decrease court time with the passage of this legislation.”
    The bill would also require a filing fee of $120 for claims of damage over $4,500. The filing fee for claims up to $4,500 would remain $50.
    The bill now goes to the Judiciary Committee to be scheduled for a public hearing.