Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1330: SMALL CLAIMS DEPARTMENT OF THE MAGISTRATE DIVISION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the scope of a claim and attorney’s fees.
This bill increases the jurisdictional limit for Idaho small claims cases from $5,000 to $15,000 for both monetary claims and personal property recovery. It bars awards of punitive damages or compensation for pain and suffering in small claims proceedings. The legislation also updates rules on attorney's fees for appeals from small claims judgments. After passing both the Senate and House without opposition, the bill was signed by the Governor and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Status
Effective (July 1, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced February 19, 2026
Sponsors
- JUDICIARY AND RULES COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- March 25, 2026 — House: Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 67-0-3AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Egbert, (passed)
- March 26, 2026 — Senate: Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
- March 26, 2026 — House: Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
- March 27, 2026 — House: Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
- March 27, 2026 — House: delivered to Governor at 10:30 a.m. on 03/27/26
- March 27, 2026 — House: Signed by Governor on 03/27/26
- March 27, 2026 — House: Session Law Chapter 196
- July 1, 2026 — House: Effective: 07/01/2026
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