1. 1. Definitions As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

   1. A. "Hospital" has the same meaning as in Title 36, section 2881, subsection 2.

      [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   2. B. "Indirect ownership interest" means an ownership interest in an entity that has an ownership interest in a hospital.

      [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   3. C. "Operational control" means to:

      1. (1) Influence or direct the actions or policies of any part of a hospital; or

      2. (2) Choose, appoint or terminate a member of a board, manager, managing member, senior employee, consultant or other individual or entity that participates in the operational oversight of a hospital.

         [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   4. D. "Ownership interest" means possession or equity in capital, stock or profits in a hospital or ownership of real estate on which a hospital operates.

      [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   5. E. "Private equity company" means an entity whether or not publicly traded that collects capital investments from individuals or entities.

      [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   6. F. "Real estate investment trust" has the same meaning as in the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 856.

      [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

   [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

2. 2. Moratorium A private equity company or real estate investment trust may not acquire or increase a direct or indirect ownership interest or operational control or financial control in a hospital in the State.

   [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

3. 3. Repeal This section is repealed June 15, 2026.

   [PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).]

PL 2025, c. 401, §1 (NEW). PL 2025, c. 401, §2 (AFF).