New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03666

Introduced
1/29/25  
Refer
1/29/25  

Caption

Establishes that consumer litigation funding transactions should be subject to state regulation and sets forth requirements regarding disclosure, licensing, funding company and attorney responsibilities and limitations, violations and other provisions.

Summary

Bill S03666, known as the "Consumer Litigation Funding Act," aims to regulate consumer litigation funding transactions in New York. It establishes a framework for licensing and oversight of consumer litigation funding companies, requiring them to adhere to specific disclosure and contract requirements. The bill mandates that contracts be clear and understandable, provides consumers with a right of rescission, and prohibits certain practices such as paying referral fees to attorneys. Additionally, it sets forth the responsibilities of funding companies and attorneys involved in these transactions, ensuring that consumers are adequately informed about the terms and conditions of the funding they receive.

Impact

The enactment of this bill will significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding consumer litigation funding in New York. It will introduce new regulations that govern how funding companies operate, ensuring greater transparency and consumer protection. The bill will amend the General Business Law by adding a new article specifically addressing consumer litigation funding, thereby establishing a legal framework that will supersede any conflicting laws. This regulation is expected to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure that they are fully informed about their financial obligations when entering into funding agreements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03666 appears to be generally supportive among consumer advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary step toward protecting consumers in litigation funding transactions. However, some concerns have been raised by funding companies regarding the potential for increased operational burdens and compliance costs. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions indicates that the bill may still be in the early stages of consideration, and further debate may shape its final form.

Contention

Points of contention primarily revolve around the balance between consumer protection and the operational freedom of funding companies. Advocates for the bill argue that stringent regulations are necessary to prevent exploitation of vulnerable consumers, while opponents, including some funding companies, contend that excessive regulation could stifle competition and limit access to funding for consumers who need it. The debate may also touch on the implications of the required disclosures and the potential impact on attorney-client relationships.

Companion Bills

NY A00240

Same As Establishes that consumer litigation funding transactions should be subject to state regulation and sets forth requirements regarding disclosure, licensing, funding company and attorney responsibilities and limitations, violations and other provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY S02594

Establishes that consumer litigation funding transactions should be subject to state regulation and sets forth requirements regarding disclosure, licensing, funding company and attorney responsibilities and limitations, violations and other provisions.

NY A02702

Establishes that consumer litigation funding transactions should be subject to state regulation and sets forth requirements regarding disclosure, licensing, funding company and attorney responsibilities and limitations, violations and other provisions.

NY A00240

Establishes that consumer litigation funding transactions should be subject to state regulation and sets forth requirements regarding disclosure, licensing, funding company and attorney responsibilities and limitations, violations and other provisions.

NY H4521

Transparency in Consumer Legal Funding Act

NY S08808

Amends the litigation funding act to promote consumer protections related to litigation funding contracts; provides for contract requirements for litigation funding including disclosures, prohibitions; provides for litigation funding company registration and reporting requirements.

NY A09442

Amends the litigation funding act to promote consumer protections related to litigation funding contracts; provides for contract requirements for litigation funding including disclosures, prohibitions; provides for litigation funding company registration and reporting requirements.

NY S01104

Enacts the consumer litigation funding act to promote consumer protections related to consumer litigation funding transactions; provides for contract requirements, including that the contract contain a no penalty provision for the prepayment of the funded amount prior to the settlement of their case; makes related provisions.

NY A2159

Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders.

NY S2357

Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders.

NY LB199

Change the statute of limitations for personal injury actions, include administrative proceedings within the Nonrecourse Civil Litigation Act, require disclosures by consumers under such act, and provide for discipline against civil litigation funding companies

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.