The venue of civil actions instituted under small claims procedure for the collection of an open account or for the collection of any note or other instrument of indebtedness shall be, at the option of the plaintiff or plaintiffs in either of the following:

1. (a) in any county in which venue may be properly had as provided by law; or
2. (b) in the county in which the debt was contracted or in which the note or other instrument of indebtedness was given.

Laws 1971, HB 1056, c. 249, § 1, eff. October 1, 1971.