Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia has introduced a tort reform package aimed at leveling the playing field in courtrooms, banning hostile foreign powers from exploiting consumers and legal proceedings, and stabilizing insurance costs for businesses and consumers. The announcement was made alongside Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner John King, and industry leaders.
Governor Kemp said, "As I said in my State of the State address earlier this month, our legal environment is draining family bank accounts and hurting job creators of all sizes in nearly every industry in our state." He emphasized that the current situation is unsustainable and jeopardizes Georgia's prosperity. Kemp expressed his commitment to working with the General Assembly to pass the reform package.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones highlighted the importance of fostering a business-friendly climate to maintain Georgia's status as a top state for business. He said, "We have to work together to ensure that we put families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we all pay thanks to Georgia’s current tort laws."
Commissioner John King echoed these sentiments, noting that Georgia's legal climate acts as a hidden tax on families and small businesses. He supported Governor Kemp's plan to address these issues.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns pointed out that Georgia has been named the Number One Place to do Business for eleven consecutive years. He stressed the need for common-sense reform in the state's legal environment.
The proposed reforms aim to protect Georgians' constitutional rights while aligning with neighboring states' legal environments. Key areas addressed include negligent security liability, truthful calculation of medical damages, elimination of anchoring tactics in jury trials, bifurcated trials, admissible seatbelt evidence, elimination of double recovery of attorney’s fees, changes in motion to dismiss timing, and transparency in third-party litigation funding.
Governor Kemp concluded by emphasizing that his tort reform package prioritizes families and consumers by addressing hidden costs associated with current tort laws.