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

HB 5641 simplifies appeal fees for small claims and consumer cases in district courts. It increases the appeal filing fee to $75 (including processing fees), with $20 of each fee directed to a new mediation fund for small claims disputes. The bill also raises the maximum counterclaim amount from $2,500 to $5,000 and specifies that defendants who default in consumer cases (e.g., product damage claims) forfeit their right to appeal. This affects individuals and businesses involved in small monetary disputes under $5,000, streamlining procedures while clarifying appeal rights.