VirginiaVirginia bill could let plaintiffs bring claims up to $25,000 in small claims court
If enacted, the bill would let plaintiffs file certain claims of up to $25,000 in small claims court, no more than twice per year.
What it does
A plaintiff may file a small claims case for up to $25,000, excluding interest, no more than twice in Virginia in a calendar year.
For certain civil claims of $5,000 or less, a person may bring the case in small claims court or general district court.
Argument forSome plaintiffs could bring claims up to $25,000 in small claims court, which may offer a simpler way to handle a case.
Argument againstPlaintiffs who need to use small claims court for larger claims might find the twice per year limit restrictive.
More detail
A plaintiff may file a small claims warrant for a claim up to $25,000. This applies to plaintiffs bringing civil claims in small claims court. A plaintiff may use this filing option no more than twice in Virginia during a calendar year. The claim amount excludes interest.
Small claims court shares authority with general district court over certain civil actions when the claim is $5,000 or less. This covers the civil action described in § 16.1-77(1). The claim amount excludes interest.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 4Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (Voice Vote)
- Feb 2Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Jan 22Assigned HCJ sub: CivilMinor
- Jan 12Referred to Committee for Courts of JusticeMinor
- Jan 12Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103973DIntroduced
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