Governor Brian Kemp signed two new bills into law that directly address tort reform. The first is Senate bill (SB) 68 and the second is SB 69.
First, SB 68 provides substantive and comprehensive revision of codes regarding civil practice, damages, and liability in tort actions. It amends official Georgia Code relating to civil practice, contracts, motor vehicles, and torts.
Second, SB 69 relates to banking, finance, and depositions under the "Georgia Civil Practice Act." By doing this, the bill regulates third-party litigation in the state.
Governor Kemp has commented on the purpose of these bills. He views them as essential to leveling the playing field within the litigation process.
Kemp stated on X, “SB 68 and 69 put job creators and hardworking Georgians first by leveling the playing field in our courtrooms and ensuring Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Lt. Governor Burt Jones supports this notion and promotes the bills as being pro-Georgian. He explains how these bills reduce insurance costs and ensure transparency.
Jones stated on X, “These bills ensure that we put Georgia families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we have all been paying thanks to Georgia’s current tort laws.”
Jones also explained how these bills are not “anti-lawyer” or “anti-litigation.” They instead take the form of “pro-consumer” bills.
He continued, “These much-needed reforms, which I was proud to support, strike a balance by stabilizing insurance costs for businesses and consumers, while increasing transparency and fairness for all Georgia citizens.
This legislation received support from other lawmakers as well. Representative Mike Collins (R) came out on X to congratulate Georgia Republicans for implementing this reform.
Collins stated, “Georgia is showing how to lead on tort reform and reduce costs on hard working Americans thanks to the initiative by (Governor Kemp) and backed up by Republicans in the state legislature.”
Attorney General Chris Carr also came out to show his support for the bills.
He stated, “Proud to stand with (Governor Kemp), legislative partners & job creators throughout our state as two critical litigation reform measures were signed into law.”
