The bill amends sections of the General Laws in Chapter 10-16 entitled "Small Claims and Consumer Claims" to update procedures and fees related to small claims actions. It introduces changes to the filing fee structure, including a new fee of $75.75, which encompasses a $55.00 filing fee, a $17.50 civil processing fee, and a $3.25 technology surcharge fee. The bill also establishes a "small claims mediation restricted-receipt account" for the services of qualified mediators and related expenses. Additionally, it requires both plaintiffs and defendants to file a written waiver of the right to appeal when submitting a claim or a compulsory counterclaim, respectively.

The bill further revises the rules for filing a defense or counterclaim by the defendant, increasing the maximum amount for a counterclaim from $2,500 to $5,000. If the counterclaim exceeds $5,000, the court will not adjudicate on the defendant's claim, but the defendant retains the right to sue separately. The bill also modifies the appeal process, setting an appeal fee of $115 for the defendant, which includes a $70.00 filing fee and a $45.00 service fee, in addition to the civil case processing fee and technology surcharge. If the plaintiff appeals on a counterclaim, they must pay a $70.00 appeal fee. The bill specifies that if a defendant defaults in a consumer product case, the judgment is final and the defendant forfeits the right to appeal. The act will take effect upon passage.