Litigation Transparency Act of 2025

Full Title:
Litigation Transparency Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill adds a new rule to federal law that requires parties in civil cases to tell the court and other parties when a third person will receive money or something of value that depends on the case outcome. The party must also give the court and other parties any agreement that created that right, unless the court or parties agree otherwise. The rule does not apply when the payment is only the repayment of a loan, repayment of a loan with limited interest (not more than the higher of 7% or two times the prior year's average 30-year Treasury yield), or reimbursement of attorney fees. Disclosures must be made by the later of 10 days after the agreement is signed or when the case is filed. If a disclosure becomes incomplete or wrong, the party must correct it in a timely way or when the court orders it. The rule applies to civil cases pending on or started after the law goes into effect.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a party or lawyer in a federal civil case, you must report anyone who will get payment that depends on winning or settling the case.
  • You must give copies of any agreements that create that contingent payment right, unless the court limits this requirement.
  • You do not need to disclose common loans that only repay principal, repay principal with limited interest, or reimburse attorney fees.
  • You must make the required disclosure soon after the agreement is signed or when you file the case, and you must fix any mistakes later.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill is titled to provide "transparency and oversight of third-party beneficiaries in civil actions." Sponsors introduced it to require disclosure of who stands to receive contingent payments and the agreements that create those rights.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.