Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia, has emphasized the necessity of tort reform to safeguard residents' livelihoods and curb rising consumer costs. Kemp shared his views in a January 16 post on X.
"If we take seriously our mission to keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family," said Kemp. "We have to get off the sidelines and get to work on passing meaningful tort reform this year."
In the post, Kemp said that addressing the state's tort system is urgent. "The status quo isn't working," he said, adding that failure to act "will continue to put Georgians and their livelihoods in serious jeopardy." He indicated that the upcoming legislative session would introduce reforms that are "comprehensive but fair," aiming to balance accountability and justice. Kemp further asserted, "there will be no room for excuses, half-measures, or failure," emphasizing his goal of achieving meaningful legislative change.
Brian Kemp statement
| X (former Twitter)
According to the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), Georgia has been ranked as the number one "Judicial Hellhole" in the United States for 2023. This ranking highlights concerns about the state's legal environment being overly conducive to lawsuit abuse and excessive tort costs. ATRA argues that this situation creates an economic burden on businesses and consumers alike, reinforcing the need for reform.
Tort reform has become a significant issue in Georgia due to rising business costs impacting residents. Kemp noted that "the increased cost of doing business has simply passed on to the consumer," making it challenging for Georgians to make ends meet. The Governor's office plans to introduce legislation aimed at balancing corporate accountability with justice for those who have been wronged.
Kemp has served as Georgia's Governor since 2019, following his tenure as Secretary of State from 2010 to 2018. As a Republican, he has focused on economic development, public safety, and government efficiency during his administration. Re-elected in 2022, Kemp continues advocating for policies designed to strengthen Georgia's business environment and workforce.