Kan. Senate leaders proposes small claims change

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt wants to allow more cases to be settled in small claims court.

The Independence Republican and attorney general candidate says he'll push a bill next year to eliminate a cap on how many small claims cases a business can file in a year. The limit is now 20.

Schmidt says the change will save individuals and small businesses money when they're trying to collect debts or have financial disputes.

In small claims court, individuals represent themselves and hire attorneys. Court costs also are lower than they are in district courts.

People can settle disputes in small claims court if the amount in dispute is less than $4,000.