McGuireWoods Consulting has released an analysis of Georgia's 2025 tort reform efforts, focusing on Senate Bills 68 and 69. These bills aim to address issues such as rising litigation costs, excessive jury verdicts, and inefficiencies within the legal system. The announcement was made through a press release on February 10.
According to the press release, Georgia's tort reform debate for 2025 centers around these two Senate Bills. Senate Bill 68 proposes limitations on noneconomic damage claims, modifications to discovery rules, and changes to premises liability standards for landowners. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 69 seeks to regulate litigation financing by prohibiting unregistered entities and restricting foreign-affiliated financiers from influencing legal proceedings. Supporters argue that these measures will help control rising litigation costs and high jury verdicts. However, opponents express concerns about their potential impact on plaintiffs' rights.
Businesses in Georgia have reported significant increases in insurance premiums, with some experiencing rate hikes ranging from 30% to 100% in recent years. Insurers attribute these rising costs to the state's legal climate, citing frequent high-dollar jury verdicts and the volume of litigation as contributing factors. As a result, some insurance providers have reduced their presence in Georgia or withdrawn entirely, limiting coverage options and increasing financial pressure on businesses across various industries, according to Fox News.
McGuireWoods Consulting is a full-service public affairs firm established in 1998 as a subsidiary of McGuireWoods LLP. According to its website, the firm offers services in federal and state government relations, infrastructure and economic development, and strategic communications. It operates across multiple U.S. offices including locations in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbia, Raleigh, Richmond, Springfield, Tallahassee, Tysons Corner, and Washington D.C. Its bipartisan team includes professionals with extensive government experience such as former state governors, legislators, and agency officials.