119-HR-1109 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A House bill would require anyone who stands to receive money from the outcome of a federal civil lawsuit to be disclosed to the court and the other parties. [1]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — Text of H.R. 1109 (119th Congress): Litiga…

What It Does

Purpose: increase transparency about outside funders in civil cases. The bill would make parties (or their lawyers) disclose the identity of any non-lawyer who has a contingent right to be paid from the case and provide the funding agreement to the court and the other named parties. It exempts ordinary loans (and certain interest up to the higher of 7% or twice the prior year’s 30‑year Treasury yield) and reimbursement of attorneys’ fees. Disclosures are due at filing or within 10 days of signing a covered agreement, with a duty to update if facts change. If enacted, it would apply to cases already pending and new cases. [1]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — Text of H.R. 1109 (119th Congress): Litiga…

Why It Matters

Supporters say uniform disclosure helps judges and litigants spot conflicts, curb hidden influence (including from foreign or strategic investors), and deter fraud; opponents warn that broad, early disclosures could chill legitimate backing for plaintiffs and compromise privacy and association rights. [2]U.S. Chamber of Commerce — U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Coalition letter supporti…[3]NICB — National Insurance Crime Bureau — Letter supporting H.R. 1109[4]Insurance Business America — Insurance Business America — APCIA supports bills…[5]Fox News — Fox News — Conservative groups oppose GOP civil-litigation transpare…[6]Reuters — Reuters — Companies ask U.S. judiciary to force lawsuit funding discl…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Darrell Issa (R‑CA) introduced H.R. 1109 with Reps. Scott Fitzgerald (R‑WI) and Mike Collins (R‑GA), framing it as a transparency measure. [7]Office of Rep. Darrell Issa — Rep. Darrell Issa press release announcing H.R. 1…[1]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — Text of H.R. 1109 (119th Congress): Litiga…
• Business and trade groups backing disclosure: a U.S. Chamber–led coalition urged House members to support H.R. 1109, citing risks from undisclosed funders and the need for uniform rules. [2]U.S. Chamber of Commerce — U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Coalition letter supporti…
• Insurance sector voices: the National Insurance Crime Bureau and APCIA said transparency would help deter fraud and control litigation costs that flow to consumers. [3]NICB — National Insurance Crime Bureau — Letter supporting H.R. 1109[4]Insurance Business America — Insurance Business America — APCIA supports bills…

Who’s Against It

• Conservative advocacy groups: a coalition letter argued the bill’s broad, pre‑discovery disclosures threaten privacy and free association and could discourage people from bringing legitimate claims. [5]Fox News — Fox News — Conservative groups oppose GOP civil-litigation transpare…
• Litigation‑finance industry and allies: funders and their trade association have opposed sweeping disclosure mandates in federal rules debates, saying courts can handle relevance case‑by‑case and that mandates would hinder access to justice. [6]Reuters — Reuters — Companies ask U.S. judiciary to force lawsuit funding discl…

What’s Next

Status as of November 20, 2025: H.R. 1109 is in the House Judiciary Committee. Congress.gov lists the bill as “Introduced,” and a full committee markup including H.R. 1109 was scheduled for November 18, 2025. Next steps would be committee votes, then potential House floor consideration. [8]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — All Info for H.R. 1109 (status, committees…[9]House.gov — House of Representatives schedule (Nov. 18, 2025) — listing Judicia…