John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG), said that the newly introduced Senate Bill 69 would ban foreign third-party litigation funding and predatory litigation lenders. Barbour shared his statement via email on January 31.
"Senate Bill 69 was introduced to address the serious issue of third-party litigation funding," said Barbour. "Prohibiting litigation funders from having any input into the litigation strategy or from taking the plaintiff's whole recovery. IIAG is in full support."
Senate Bill 69, known as the "Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act," aims to regulate third-party litigation funding (TPLF) by banning foreign adversaries from funding lawsuits, requiring litigation financiers to register, and prohibiting their influence over legal cases. The bill also mandates full disclosure of litigation funding agreements, prevents predatory lending practices, and ensures that plaintiffs retain control over their lawsuits. Violations could result in voided contracts, fines, and criminal penalties, with the goal of protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of Georgia’s legal system.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TPLF allows investors to finance lawsuits for a share of settlements, often without disclosure. The industry has grown into a $15.2 billion market in the United States, raising concerns over litigation control, ethics, and national security risks.
The American Tort Reform Association's (ATRA) Judicial Hellholes rankings place Georgia at #1 in TPLF abuses due to unchecked lawsuit funding, nuclear verdicts, and a lack of transparency. Predatory lenders charging excessive interest rates inflate settlements and prolong costly litigation. Without disclosure laws, foreign and private investors continue to profit from lawsuits.
Barbour's LinkedIn profile indicates he has served as the CEO of IIAG since 2017 and brings over 20 years of experience in governmental affairs and legislative relations. He previously held roles at Georgia realtors and the Georgia General Assembly.