John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG), said that Governor Brian Kemp's Senate Bill 68 introduces tort reform to address legal system abuse, including premises liability, medical damages, and trial procedures in Georgia. He made this statement in an email on January 31.
"Senate Bill 68 was introduced yesterday with a huge show of support from the Georgia business community," said Barbour. "Governor Kemp indicated his passion to address legal system abuse in his State."
Georgia Senate Bill 68 aims to revise civil practice laws by limiting noneconomic damage claims, modifying evidence admissibility, and restructuring negligent security liability. The bill also proposes adjustments to discovery timelines, trial bifurcation procedures, and attorney fee recoveries to streamline litigation. Additionally, it introduces new standards for seatbelt admissibility in auto accident cases and clarifies damage apportionment rules in civil lawsuits.
According to Fox 5, Governor Kemp is prioritizing tort reform to reduce lawsuits and control rising insurance premiums, which have surged between 30% and 100% for Georgia businesses. Kemp said, "We cannot afford another year of this," warning that a special legislative session may be necessary if reforms do not pass. He also said, "This is not a pro-lawyer bill... this is a pro-Georgia consumer bill."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that Georgia’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion in 2022, accounting for 2.60% of the state’s GDP and averaging $5,050 per household. A significant factor is nuclear verdicts—cases where juries award over $10 million in medical and premises liability cases—driving up insurance premiums and legal expenses. This situation has created an urgent need for legal reforms to establish a more efficient and sustainable legal system in Georgia.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Barbour has served as CEO of IIAG since 2017 and has over 20 years of experience in governmental affairs and legislative relations with previous roles at Georgia REALTORS and the Georgia General Assembly.