In this special joint edition of the Consumer Finance Podcast and the Regulatory Oversight Podcast, host Chris Willis is joined by colleagues Stephen Piepgrass, James Kim, Jesse Silverman, and Lane Page to discuss the ongoing changes at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and predict how state regulators and legislatures will react to fill the void. This episode explores the anticipated responses from state attorneys general, financial service regulators, and legislatures, and offers strategic insights for industry players to navigate this complex regulatory environment. Tune in to understand the proactive measures your organization can take to stay compliant and ahead of potential state enforcement actions.

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Chuck Slemp is joined by New Hampshire Attorney General (AG) John Formella to discuss his journey to becoming New Hampshire's AG. Formella highlights his career in private practice, his role as legal counsel to Governor Chris Sununu, and his eventual appointment as AG in 2021. As the new president of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), Formella outlines his initiative to combat substance abuse and drug trafficking, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration and support for law enforcement. He also addresses emerging issues such as elder abuse, data privacy, civil rights, and mental health.

Additionally, Chuck and Formella all touch on the unique selection process for the AG in New Hampshire and the structure of his office. They address pressing issues in the state, including elder abuse, data privacy, civil rights, mental health, and drug enforcement. Formella also provides insights into the intersection of law, politics, and policy, and offers advice to the business community on supporting AG offices.

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Chuck Slemp welcomes Lacey Mase, the chief deputy attorney general (AG) of Tennessee, to explore the inner workings of an AG's office and the pivotal role of its senior staff in driving legal and policy outcomes.

Mase, who previously served for more than nine years in the Texas AG’s office, begins by sharing insights into her journey and responsibilities since joining the Tennessee AG's office in January 2021. She emphasizes the importance of senior staff as the bridge connecting various stakeholders and shaping legal policy across the U.S.

Chuck and Mase also discuss the structure and operations of the Tennessee AG's office, while highlighting its focus on civil law and the diverse legal matters it handles. Mase shares her experiences in handling high-profile cases, such as the NCAA antitrust lawsuit, underscoring the collaborative efforts among AG offices nationwide.

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.