An Act to Increase the Maximum Small Claim Limit
Sponsored By: Christopher Kessler (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Maine small claims cap now $10,000
Beginning January 1, 2026, Maine’s small claims limit is $10,000. The $10,000 does not include interest or court costs. You can use small claims even if the full contract was for more, as long as the amount you seek is $10,000 or less. Cases about who owns real estate are not allowed in small claims. This replaces the old $6,000 cap. It lets plaintiffs seek more money and means defendants can face judgments up to $10,000.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Christopher Kessler
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Jennifer Poirier
Republican • House
Mark W. Lawrence
Democratic • Senate
Mathew McIntyre
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 261
6/11/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/5/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/4/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-451) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-451), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/3/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-451).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/3/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
2/20/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-451), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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