SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS: COSTS - S.B. 256: FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 256 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Senator Bill Bullard, Jr.

Committee: Local, Urban and State Affairs

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to increase the maximum amount of taxable costs a court may allow in a civil action to recover possession of premises.

Currently, in proceedings under Chapter 57 of the Act (summary proceedings to recover possession of premises) costs may be allowed in the same amounts as are provided by law in other civil actions in the same court, except as otherwise provided in the Act. The court also may allow as taxable costs certain amounts that cannot exceed the maximum set under the Act. The bill would increase those maximum amounts as follows:

-- $150, up from $20, for a motion that results in dismissal or judgment.

-- $125, up from $15, for a judgment taken by default.

-- $150, up from $20, for the trial of a claim for possession only.

-- $150, up from $20, for the trial of a claim for damages only.

-- $175, up from $30, for a trial including both a claim for possession and a claim for money judgment.

(The term "taxable costs" refers to expenses of an action that may be assessed against a party.)

MCL 600.5759 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed: 2-11-98 - Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowermanfloor\sb256

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.