The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 10-16, which pertains to "Small Claims and Consumer Claims." It introduces a new filing fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for plaintiffs, which includes a civil case processing fee and a technology surcharge, while also establishing a small claims mediation restricted-receipt account. Additionally, it requires both plaintiffs and defendants to file written waivers of the right to appeal, with the defendant's waiver specifically pertaining to any compulsory counterclaims.

The maximum amount for a compulsory counterclaim has been increased from two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to five thousand dollars ($5,000). The bill outlines the appeal process for defendants, allowing them the same rights of appeal as in ordinary civil actions, with a filing fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) applicable. It also stipulates that if a plaintiff is appealing a counterclaim, they must pay the same appeal filing fee.

Notably, in cases where the plaintiff is a consumer seeking damages against a seller or manufacturer, if the defendant defaults, the judgment will be final, and the defendant will forfeit their right to appeal. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.