The Civil Subcommittee of Courts of Justice voted unanimously to report a bill from Senator Peake that would raise the jurisdictional limit in general district court to $50,000, expanding the types of cases handled at that level.

Under the sponsor's proposal, cases such as breach of contract, construction disputes, property disputes, promissory notes and loans that are currently heard in circuit court when claims exceed the existing limits would be movable to general district court up to $50,000. Peake said the change would let “you can hear all those things at 50,000 and, people don't have to hire lawyers either.”

Committee members asked about workload implications. Rachel DeGrava, staff attorney at the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) for the Supreme Court, told the subcommittee OES “has no position on the bill.” She said OES filed a fiscal note and, based on 2022–2023 data, estimated about 3,000 cases per year would shift from circuit court to general district court under the proposed limit.

Eric Link, speaking for the Virginia Bar Association, said the bill was developed by the Boyd-Graves Conference in consultation with several general district court judges and that those judges felt comfortable handling the additional workload. Matt Benedetti of the Virginia Credit Association also testified in favor.

After public testimony and questions, the subcommittee voted to report the bill by a roll call showing 8 in favor and none opposed. The bill record indicates it will proceed to further legislative consideration.