In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, David B. Dove, leader of our firm's Regulatory and Economic Investment Practice in Georgia, is joined by Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King to discuss his office's recent report analyzing Georgia's civil justice climate.

King's office produced a report in November 2024 outlining needed tort reforms to keep Georgia's economy moving forward. King walks through the report and highlights his efforts to bring affordable health care to Georgia and address civil justice system abuses that impact small businesses.

King outlines his strategy of collecting data to understand the market and the impact of litigation costs on insurance prices. He emphasizes the need for a stable insurance market and strategic tort reform. King outlines recommendations based on collected data, focusing on phantom damages and premise liability, and underscores ongoing efforts to improve Georgia's insurance market conditions. King also shares his journey to becoming the insurance commissioner, detailing his background and the hurdles he faced in reforming an agency and running for office.

In the 12th and final episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Cole White, a member of Troutman Pepper's Regulatory Investigation, Strategy, and Enforcement (RISE) practice group, is joined by Stephen Piepgrass, RISE practice group leader, to discuss recent developments in the online gaming industry.

Stephen and Cole explore the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies on the gaming experience, highlighting how AI can tailor gaming experiences and predict problem gaming, while cryptocurrencies expand access but pose regulatory challenges. They also examine emerging trends like the gamification of gambling, the influence of social media, and the rise of micro betting. Additionally, they address the evolving regulatory landscape, focusing on how online social and sweepstakes casinos navigate traditional gambling laws and how regulators are adapting to new gaming innovations. The episode concludes with a look at the future of online gaming regulation and industry efforts to work with legislators to create clear legal frameworks.

In the 11th episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Ashley Taylor, co-leader of Troutman Pepper's State Attorneys General team, is joined by Brad Weber, co-chair of Locke Lord's Antitrust practice group, and Tim Bado, a member of Troutman Pepper's Regulatory Investigation, Strategy, and Enforcement (RISE) practice group, to discuss the increasing role of state attorneys general (AGs) in antitrust enforcement.

The group explores the unique strategies employed by state AGs, significant antitrust cases from 2024, and the growing collaboration between state and federal authorities. The discussion highlights how new technologies and evolving market dynamics are influencing antitrust actions. Ashley, Brad, and Tim wrap up the episode with their predictions for 2025, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nonpartisan nature of state AGs and the potential impact of federal budgetary constraints on antitrust enforcement.

In the 10th episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Stephen Piepgrass, leader of the firm's Regulatory Investigation, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) practice, is joined by colleague Chuck Slemp to discuss the unique challenges faced by local governments and businesses interacting with them.

Chuck, who has extensive experience as a local government attorney and former Commonwealth attorney, shares insights on a range of issues including compliance with federal and state laws, economic development partnerships, and the impact of local government actions on business strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of skilled legal counsel in navigating complex local government matters, such as land use, zoning, and public-private partnerships. They also delve into the intricacies of local government investigations, public records laws, and the interplay between state AGs and local governments.

In the ninth episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Michael Jordan, a member of the firm's Tobacco + Nicotine practice, is joined by colleagues Bryan Haynes and Agustin Rodriguez to delve into the regulatory landscape of the tobacco industry in 2024 and what to expect in 2025. Bryan, head of the firm's Tobacco + Nicotine practice, and Agustin, also a member of the Tobacco + Nicotine practice, discuss the increased state-level actions against illicit flavored e-cigarettes due to FDA's inaction. They highlight efforts by state AGs to combat these products, including issuing letters to retailers and establishing product registries. The conversation also touches on the anticipated regulatory changes under the new administration, the potential impact on nicotine pouches, and the implications of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) and the upcoming escrow refunds for nonparticipating manufacturers. Bryan and Agustin provide insights into the evolving regulatory environment and the implications for the tobacco industry in the coming year.

In the eighth episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Chris Carlson, a member of Troutman Pepper's State AG practice, is joined by Lauren Fincher, chair of Locke Lord's Administrative and Regulatory Practice Group, to discuss the major initiatives and actions taken by the Texas AG's office in 2024.

Lauren highlights key areas of focus that we have seen from the Texas AG's office throughout the past year, including opioid litigation, political issues, and AI. Connecting AI to the major data privacy and security initiative the AG launched, Lauren and Chris discuss how the AG's office has been active in addressing issues related to the collection and use of personal biometric data and location data. They also highlight the Texas AG's creative use of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act to address new market issues and protect consumers, as well as significant antitrust efforts to address consumer monopoly concerns across various industries.

Looking ahead to 2025, Lauren predicts that the Texas AG will continue to focus on certain political topics, social media practices, AI, and data privacy and security. They emphasize the importance of data privacy and AI as key focus areas for the Texas AG's office moving forward, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of regulatory enforcement.

In the seventh episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, members of the firm's Advertising + Marketing practice, Mike Yaghi and Natalia Jacobo, examine the evolving landscape of advertising and marketing regulations. The episode focuses on the impact of recent efforts to curb junk fees, state mandates for transparent pricing, and potential regulatory changes anticipated with the new administration in 2025.

Mike and Natalia discuss the significance of the FTC's proposed rule to curb unfair or deceptive fees, the challenges businesses might face in complying with new requirements, and the implications of state regulations like California's Senate Bill 478 on transparent pricing. The episode also highlights similar regulatory initiatives in other states and anticipates future changes in the advertising and marketing space with the new administration.

In the sixth episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Lane Page is joined by Mike Yaghi, a partner in the firm's Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) practice, and Chris Willis, co-leader of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Regulatory practice, to discuss the anticipated changes in federal and state oversight and enforcement within the consumer financial services industry.

Mike and Chris examine the potential for increased state enforcement in areas like consumer protection, junk fees, and consumer lending, especially if federal agencies like the CFPB and FTC become less aggressive under the new administration. They also highlight the growing scrutiny of AI, redlining, noncredit products, and bank partnership agreements by state regulators.

The episode underscores the compliance challenges companies face due to conflicting state laws and the broad application of state UDAP statutes.

In the fifth episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Nick Ramos is joined by Jean Smith-Gonnell, the leader of the firm's Cannabis Industry practice, to discuss significant regulatory updates in the cannabis industry from 2024 and the potential impacts of the recent election on the industry in 2025.

The two begin by reviewing several states' legalization initiatives, including Nebraska's arguably surprising approval measure to legalize medical marijuana. Shifting to the federal outlook for 2025, they highlight public support for legalization and President-elect Donald Trump's stance on state-level legalization and rescheduling marijuana to a Schedule III drug.

Jean and Nick round out their discussion by highlighting legislative proposals that aim to address various regulatory and banking challenges in the cannabis industry, such as the States 2.0 Act, the States Reform Act of 2023, and the Safer Banking Act.

Our Cannabis Industry practice provides advice on issues related to applicable federal and state law. Marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under federal law.

In the fourth episode of our 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Dan Waltz is joined by colleague Amy Williams, a partner at Troutman Pepper, and Allison O'Neil, co-chair of Locke Lord's White Collar Defense & Investigations practice group. They dive into recent enforcement actions under the False Claims Act (FCA) at both federal and state levels.

The group discusses the FCA, its enforcement mechanisms, and some significant recent cases. Allison explains how the FCA targets those defrauding the government, making it a key tool for fighting fraud. Amy highlights how state-level FCAs, often modeled after the federal statute, can lead to double enforcement in fraud cases.

Looking ahead, Allison predicts more state-level enforcement due to potential uncertainties at the federal level, with states stepping in to fill the gaps. Both Allison and Amy agree that the FCA will stay a crucial enforcement tool, with priorities possibly shifting after changes in administration.