The Overview

If you've ever wondered who pays for a lawsuit when the plaintiff can't afford to fight, Ohio just set new state rules for the outside investors who sometimes do. Ohio House Bill 105, which revises state regulations on non-recourse litigation funding agreements, took effect Oct. 6. ​

Ohio's Revise non-recourse litigation funding agreement regulations, House Bill 105 (HB 105), enacts new sections through the Ohio Revised Code and repeals section, revising state regulations on non-recourse litigation funding agreements. Litigation funding arrangements, in which outside investors pay for lawsuits in exchange for a share of any settlement or judgment, are often confidential, which raises questions about investor involvement in cases. The debate weighs how funding can help parties pursue costly claims against concerns about investor influence in litigation.

What the Law Does

Ohio's attorney general gains a role in reviewing litigation-funding contracts under the new rules. A state representative described the measure, saying the business of nonrecourse litigation funding "has operated without guidelines for too long."

Opponents pushed back. Trent England of Save Our States Action testified before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee in June that "HB 105 would put the funding that fuels these important, meritorious lawsuits at risk."

Legislative Status

The bill was led by Rep. Meredith Craig (R-OH-77) and Rep. Jim Thomas (R-OH-49). Five of the 20 cosponsors were Rep. Tim Barhorst (R-OH-85), Rep. Sean Brennan (D-OH-14), Rep. Jack Daniels (R-OH-32), Rep. Kellie Deeter (R-OH-54) and Rep. Haraz Ghanbari (R-OH-75); 15 others also signed on.

The House passed the bill 76 to 14 in November 2025. The Senate passed it 31 to two on June 11, 2026. The House then approved the Senate's changes 82 to 12, also on June 11. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed the bill on July 7, and it became effective Oct. 6.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said it supported the bill and thanked DeWine for signing it, writing, "On behalf of Ohio's small business community, we thank Governor DeWine." The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) supported the bill, while Trent England of Save Our States Action opposed its effects on litigation funding.

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