AB-1827 • 2026

Small claims court: jurisdiction.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Chen
Last action: 2026-04-15
Official status: In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how the change will affect the workload of small claims courts.

Small Claims Court: Increase Jurisdiction and Filing Limits

This law increases the amount of money that can be claimed in small claims court from $12,500 to $15,000 and changes how many times a person can file for more than $2,500 in one year.

What This Bill Does

Increases the maximum amount of money someone can claim in small claims court from $12,500 to $15,000.
Allows people to file up to three small claims actions where they ask for more than $2,500 each year instead of just two.

Who It Names or Affects

People who use small claims courts to solve disputes over money and other issues.
Courts that deal with small claims cases.

Terms To Know

Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear certain types of cases or handle specific amounts of money in disputes.
Small Claims Court: A part of the superior court that handles simpler legal issues and smaller amounts of money without needing a lawyer.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone tries to file more than three small claims actions in one year.
It is unclear how this change will affect the workload of small claims courts.

Bill History

2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 17).
2026-03-11 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-03-10 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1827, as amended, Chen.
Small claims court: jurisdiction.
Existing law establishes a small claims division, known as a small claims court, in each superior court. Existing law provides that the small claims court has jurisdiction over actions seeking certain forms of relief, including money damages in specified amounts and claims brought by natural persons, not exceeding $12,500, except as specified. Existing law prohibits a person from filing more than 2 small claims actions in any calendar year in which the amount demanded exceeds $2,500, except as specified.
This bill would increase the small claims court jurisdiction over actions brought by a natural person, except as specified, and other specified actions within the jurisdiction of the small claims court if the amount does not exceed $15,000. The bill would also allow a person to file no more than
6
3
small claims actions, as specified, in any calendar year.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF