Representative Patton Introduces Legislation Expanding Personal Property Recovery Limit

State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) and Rep. Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) have introduced bipartisan legislation, House Bill 463, which increases the personal property recovery value in Ohio from $15,000 to $30,000.

The legislation provides a crucial update to the Municipal Court jurisdiction. No updates have been implemented on the court’s jurisdiction in over two decades.

“This is one way to help individuals in making them whole when it comes to recovering personal property in a court of law,” said Patton. “House Bill 463 ensures people and families from across the state receive the proper funds that they deserve and do not lose out on money due to the outdated $15,000 limit.”

The bill allows a person with a claim, such as a car accident or a breach of contract, to bring it to the local municipal court. Current law only allows the value of their claim to reach a $15,000 limit, but Patton’s legislation pushes for a $30,000 limit that gives Ohioans the possibility to receive more dollars in their personal property claim in court.

The limit of $30,000 adjusts for the inflation since the original limit was set back in 1996. Additionally, House Bill 463 allows Municipal Court judges to hear counterclaims that exceed the limit amount if it is first filed within the Municipal Court.

“These are long overdue updates to our personal property recovery limit that will allow claims from Ohioans to be treated more fairly,” said Patton. “At the same time, this bill maintains the effectiveness of our Municipal Court system.”