| DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL Small claims courts. Provides that the jurisdictional amount for small claims or city court actions includes attorney's fees. Reduces to $3,000 the jurisdictional amount in small claims or city court actions not involving landlord-tenant disputes, and removes a provision that would have increased the jurisdictional amount to $6,000 in 2005. Permits a pretrial hearing to determine whether a claim is frivolous. Prohibits the granting of a continuance solely on the basis that the party is not represented by an attorney. Requires the judge to file a brief memorandum documenting the reasons for the judgment. |