1Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
2Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for
3jurisdiction and venue.

4The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
5hereby enacts as follows:

6Section 1. Section 1515(a)(3) of Title 42 of the
7Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:

8§ 1515. Jurisdiction and venue.

9(a) Jurisdiction.--Except as otherwise prescribed by general
10rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment
11of matters), magisterial district judges shall, under procedures
12prescribed by general rule, have jurisdiction of all of the
13following matters:

14* * *

15(3) Civil claims, except claims against a Commonwealth
16party as defined by section 8501 (relating to definitions),
17wherein the sum demanded does not exceed [$12,000] $15,000,
18exclusive of interest and costs, in the following classes of

1actions:

2(i) In assumpsit, except cases of real contract
3where the title to real estate may be in question.

4(ii) In trespass, including all forms of trespass
5and trespass on the case.

6(iii) For fines and penalties by any government
7agency.

8A plaintiff may waive a portion of his claim of more than
9[$12,000] $15,000 so as to bring the matter within the
10monetary jurisdiction of a magisterial district judge. Such
11waiver shall be revoked automatically if the defendant
12appeals the final order of the magisterial district judge or
13when the judgment is set aside upon certiorari.

14* * *

15Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.