NFIB State Director Gil White released the following statement following Gov. Jim Justice’s signing of Senate Bill 850, legislation to bring transparency to third-party litigation financing:

“Third-party litigation financing is a predatory practice that’s less about justice and more about bullying defendants into a big settlement. Senate Bill 850 won’t stop anyone from going to court. If you’ve been hurt, you have a constitutional right to seek compensation, but Senate Bill 850 will ensure juries know who’s financing the lawsuit and ensure both sides get a fair hearing.

“Small businesses operate on notoriously thin margins. One frivolous claim financed by some outside party can be enough to put a small business out of business. On behalf of our small business members, I want to thank legislative leaders and Governor Justice for working together to stop lawsuit abuse in the Mountain State.”