The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 10-16 entitled "Small Claims and Consumer Claims," specifically sections 10-16-4, 10-16-9, and 10-16-14. The amendments include changes to the filing fees and appeal rights within small claims proceedings. The plaintiff's filing fee is adjusted to $75.75, which includes 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 mediator services and related expenses. Additionally, both plaintiffs and defendants are required to file a written waiver of the right to appeal with their claim or compulsory counterclaim, respectively.

The bill increases the maximum amount for a counterclaim from $2,500 to $5,000 and outlines the procedure if the counterclaim exceeds this amount. It also specifies the appeal fees for defendants, setting the total at $145.75, which includes various fees such as an appeal fee, filing fee, civil case processing fee, technology surcharge, and a service fee. If the plaintiff appeals a counterclaim, they must pay a $50.00 fee. The bill further states that in cases where the plaintiff is a consumer product purchaser and the defendant defaults, the judgment of the district court shall be final, with no right to appeal for the defendant. The act will take effect upon passage.