NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

Latest reports show that total household debt in the United States reached $15.58 trillion, increasing by $333 billion (2.2 percent) in the fourth quarter of 2021, while credit card balances increased by $52 billion. Millions of Americans are sued each year for the collection of these consumer debts and encounter a complicated, backlogged civil legal system. State policymakers are beginning to examine their debt collection policies and trends and assess how these fit into a broader discussion of modernizing civil courts. Join public policy and industry experts to learn more about debt collection lawsuits and what state legislators can do to improve the courts' efficiency and ensure equitable outcomes for all parties involved. This webinar is open to legislators and legislative staff only. Moderator: Michael Hartman, Policy Associate, National Conference of State Legislatures. Speakers: David Reid, General Counsel, Receivables Mgmt. Assoc. Intl., Delegate Alfred C. Carr Jr., Member of the Maryland House of Delegates, District 18, Erika Rickard, Project Director, Civil Legal System Modernization, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Heather Morton, Senior Fellow, National Conference of State Legislatures.

Federal qualified immunity protects law enforcement officers from paying for violations of constitutional rights-but state and local governments almost always pay the price. Now, they're taking action. Legislatures are creating state claims to limit applicability of qualified immunity and authorize personal liability insurance. Learn what it means for state and local budgets and the impact of potential federal action. Speakers include Representative Georgene Louis (D-N.M.) and Rachel Harmon, University of Virginia School of Law.