—Referral of Cases to Fact

Finders The court, on its own motion, may refer to a fact finder any contract action pending in the Superior Court, except claims under insurance contracts for uninsured and or underinsured motorist cover- age, in which money damages only are claimed, which is based upon an express or implied prom- ise to pay a definite sum, and in which the amount, legal interest or property in controversy is less than $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Such cases may be referred to a fact finder only after the pleadings have been closed, a certificate of closed pleadings has been filed, and the time prescribed for filing a jury trial claim has expired. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 546D.) (Amended June 29, 1998, to take effect Jan. 1, 1999.)