The Georgia State Senate has introduced SB 68, a bill aimed at comprehensive changes to the state's civil court process. This includes revisions to evidentiary rules, damages, and liability in tort actions. The announcement was made on the social media platform X on February 10.
According to LegiScan, Senate Bill 68 was introduced on January 30, 2025. It proposes significant changes to Georgia's civil litigation framework, including revisions to civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages, and liability in tort actions. The bill was favorably reported by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on February 11, 2025, and is currently under consideration by the full Georgia Senate. If enacted, SB 68 would allow the admissibility of seat belt usage as evidence in trials, marking a shift from current Georgia law.
Legal system costs and insurance affordability are central to Georgia’s ongoing tort reform discussions. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has launched a statewide campaign highlighting legal system abuse. They cite Georgia’s ranking as a "judicial hellhole" due to high nuclear verdicts and liability-expanding court decisions. According to the American Tort Reform Association, legal service providers spent over $160 million on advertising in Georgia in 2023. Auto insurance litigation is contributing to rising insurance costs, with Georgia ranked 47th in affordability for personal auto coverage.
The Georgia State Senate serves as the upper chamber of the Georgia General Assembly and consists of 56 members elected to two-year terms. It is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing legislation on various issues such as state budgets, legal reforms, and public policy. Led by the lieutenant governor as president of the Senate, it also confirms gubernatorial appointments and oversees state agencies.