Top 10 NCBA Advocacy Highlights

NCBA has been hard at work making major progress on the issues that matter most to our members and the creditors rights industry. From key legislation to court wins, regulatory engagement, and building national partnerships, our advocacy efforts are stronger than ever. Here are 10 standout highlights from the first half of 2025 that reflect the dedication, strategy, and teamwork driving NCBA’s mission forward—and we’re just getting started. More great work ahead!

1. Key Legislation, H.R. 3213, reintroduced and assigned to both House Financial Services and House Judiciary Committees
   H.R. 3213, the Restoring Court Authority Over Litigation Act, in the 119th Congress sponsored by Rep. Fitzgerald (R-WI), was introduced in May and noticed to a Full Committee Hearing Entitled: Dodd-Frank Turns 15: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead on July 15. Next up is mark up.
2. American Bar Association (ABA) supports H.R. 3213
   ABA worked with us to tighten and focus our advocacy messaging, revising key materials, and ensuring continued support for H.R. 3213, the Restoring Court Authority Over Litigation Act.  ABA continues to list H.R.3213 as a legislative priority in the 119th Congress.
3. NCBA Board and Members Hit the Hill to Support H.R. 3213
   NCBA members and board attended nearly 20 meetings during Hill Days in May. Meetings resulted in additional co-sponsors for H.R. 3213 and gave us several new leads for future support for a companion bill on the Senate side.
4. NCBA Engages CFPB on Safeguarding the Independence of the Practice of Law [LT1] 
   NCBA leadership met with Mark Calabria, the de facto acting director of the CFPB, and other Bureau representatives in May. We discussed the conflict attorneys face serving two masters, the CFPB and the courts. We identified examples such as communication protocols involving consumers represented by defunct or bankrupt law firms. As follow up, NCBA developed a comprehensive list, highlighting areas where Reg F impacts and conflicts with the independence of the practice of law.
5. National Impact Through Strategic Relationship with Pew Charitable Trusts
   As a result of NCBA’s engagement, Pew initiated a study titled “Analyzing Maryland Debt Collection Lawsuits and the Impact of the Resolution Docket.” NCBA is actively participating in the peer review process for this study, which is expected to be released to the public in the second half of the year.
6. NCBA Leadership in State Legislative Advocacy
   In the first half of 2025, NCBA collaborated with stakeholders across more than 11 states [AK, CA, MA, MD, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA] to oppose harmful legislation as well as to advance key policy priorities. These efforts focused on default judgments, wage and bank garnishment exemptions, statute of limitations, attorney fee-shifting statutes, and more.
7. Driving Proactive Ohio State Advocacy and Industry Consensus

NCBA played a key role in advancing Ohio’s proposal to allow garnishment of state income tax refunds for judgment creditors. Working with Senator Lange, the Attorney General’s office, and local stakeholders, NCBA helped move the initiative into the final state budget—though it was ultimately vetoed.

This effort highlights NCBA’s leadership in identifying legislative opportunities and setting a precedent that’s already sparked interest in Arkansas for future sessions.

8. Advocating for the Future of Creditors Rights Through Law School Outreach
   NCBA’s Law School Outreach Program is effectively raising awareness of creditors rights among students and faculty, sparking increased interest in internships, scholarships, and careers in the field. Through partnerships with career services and SCBAs, NCBA is promoting creditors rights as a rewarding legal path and encouraging law schools to expand related offerings.

Recent outreach events have been held at:

• Tulane University
• Loyola University New Orleans
• Oklahoma City University
• Pacific McGeorge (CA)

Upcoming engagements being explored once schools resume in September include:

• University of Maryland
• University of Georgia
• Georgia State University 

9. Elevating NCBA’s Voice in the Courts Through Strategic Amicus Advocacy
   NCBA’s influence in the judicial arena is expanding. In just the past six months, we've received five amicus brief requests—many from attorneys we have not had contact from previously and primarily focused on bankruptcy matters—highlighting NCBA’s growing reputation as the go-to authority in our field. This spring, NCBA submitted an amicus brief in Commonwealth Servicing Group, LLC v. Department of Banking, resulting in a major win: the Connecticut Supreme Court affirmed that only the judiciary—not state agencies—can regulate the practice of law. This decision strengthens protections for creditors rights attorneys and underscores NCBA’s impact in shaping legal outcomes.
10. PAC and ASF Donations hit record high
    [LT2] [LT3] [NW4] [NW5] With the help of so many of you - members, clients, and vendors - your engagement in NCBA advocacy has been nothing short of incredible. Special thanks to President Michael Stillman, who’s been at the forefront of this initiative and continues to champion our efforts with energy and vision.

In just the first six months, we’ve hit record highs in both dollars raised and number of participants. This speaks volumes about the strength and commitment of our members.

To build on this momentum, we’ve launched the ASF Advisory Task Force, designed to:

• Strengthen our strategic outreach and engagement
• Provide exclusive briefings and updates on key legislative developments
• Offer recognition and networking opportunities for top supporters

Members who have contributed $5,000 or more (combined PAC and ASF) will receive special access to these benefits and be recognized for their leadership in advancing our mission.