Cody Hall, communications director for Governor Brian Kemp, said that new polling indicates a clear majority of Georgia voters support tort reform. In a statement on X on February 10, Hall noted that 79% of GOP voters and 76% of all voters are in favor of tort reform legislation.
"Pretty clear and convincing numbers for Gov Brian Kemp's tort reform package. Key numbers," said Hall, Director of Communications. "79% of all GOP voters support. Gov's approval among all voters at 58% 76% support among all voters for tort reform legislation."
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7 showing that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. The survey revealed bipartisan agreement across Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, the survey also found that 85% of voters think it is important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Additionally, 82% of individuals who have used personal injury lawyers support reforms to the current system.
Hall's Feb 10 statement on X.
| X.com
A study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform on January 24 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing a growing financial burden on households, impacting insurance premiums and the overall cost of living. In 2022, the state’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses stem from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
According to a February 18 post on InsuranceRateReporter.com, a survey by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that plaintiff lawyer tactics such as third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring contribute to rising insurance costs with an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The survey shows that 69% of Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address them. However, a significant portion remains unaware of these tactics with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing TPLF.
On February 4, APCIA and Munich Re US released another survey finding that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics such as excessive advertising, TPLF, and jury anchoring contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. The Harris Poll conducted among over 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 69% think TPLF and jury anchoring increase insurance costs while 66% believe these practices raise prices on everyday items. Additionally, 77% agree that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security threat.
Cody Hall is a political strategist specializing in messaging strategy, media affairs, and public relations for political campaigns, government agencies, and businesses. A University of Georgia graduate, he served as press secretary for Brian Kemp’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign and is currently the Director of Communications in the Georgia Governor’s Office.