NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Bernalillo County Municipal Court

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SB 584 raises the monetary jurisdictional limit of magistrate and metropolitan courts from $7,500 to $10,000.

Significant Issues

The metropolitan and magistrate courts currently have jurisdiction over civil actions in which the debt or sum does not exceed $10,000. Each passing year the value of the dollar is eroding due to inflationary pressures. SB 585 will permit more individuals to avail themselves of the opportunity of going to "small claims court" instead of having to incur the heavy expenses of the regular court system.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

SB 584 increases the existing ceiling by 33 1/3 percent which theoretically will raise the caseloads in metropolitan and municipal courts by that much there by causing a need for additional personnel and support services.

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ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

According to the Chief Civil Clerk of the Metropolitan Court, approximately 12,600 civil cases are now filed annually in the Court. SB 584 might cause the caseload to reach 14,000 a year. It is estimated that an additional FTE (court clerk) would be needed. If the caseload increases dramatically, as a result of permitting these additional cases to be filed in this Court, commensurate resources would need to be provided to permit continued, efficient disposition of cases.

Other metropolitan and municipal courts around the state will experience the equivalent growth in their caseloads.

DW/prr