Providing for joint liability for costs and sanctions in third-party funded litigation, requiring certain discovery disclosures and requiring payment of certain costs for nonparty subpoenas.
Impact
Moreover, SB74 introduces certain requirements for discovery disclosures, necessitating that parties disclose the existence of any nonparty agreements that lead to litigation funding. The bill emphasizes the necessity for reasonable compensation for costs incurred by nonparties responding to subpoenas and participating in discovery. This change could significantly alter the landscape of civil litigation by ensuring that third-party funders are accountable for their involvement and that litigants do not face undue financial burdens in accessing necessary discovery materials.
Summary
Senate Bill 74 seeks to amend existing civil procedure laws in Kansas by establishing regulations surrounding third-party funding in civil litigations. The bill stipulates that any individual or entity, who has a contingent right to compensation from the proceeds of a civil action but is not legally permitted to charge a contingency fee as an attorney, will be jointly liable for costs and any sanctions imposed related to that action. This provision aims to clarify the responsibilities associated with third-party funding arrangements, enhancing transparency in the litigation process.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB74 may arise over the implications of extending joint liability to third-party funders, with concerns regarding the potential for increased litigation costs and restrictions for funded litigants. Supporters argue that the bill promotes fairness and accountability, while critics may see it as an added burden on those who already face financial obstacles in pursuing justice. The requirement for funding disclosures may also be viewed as an infringement on privacy and confidentiality within legal funding arrangements.
Substitute for SB 54 by Committee on Judiciary - Limiting discovery and disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and requiring reporting of such agreements to courts.
Authorizing a party to obtain discovery of the existence and content of an agreement for third-party funding of litigation under the code of civil procedure.
Oklahoma Discovery Code; requiring production of commercial litigation funding agreement upon request; prohibiting admissibility of certain information as evidence. Effective date.
Discovery; creating the Foreign Litigation Funding Prevention Act; commercial litigation funding agreements; prohibiting admissibility of certain information as evidence; effective date.
Sheriff auctions; online auctions; prohibiting charging of buyer's premium; requiring certain nonelectronic option for bidders; collection of payments; fees. Emergency.