State Senator John F. Kennedy, President Pro Tempore for Georgia's Senate District 18, emphasized the importance of Senate Bill 68 in addressing excessive litigation that he says is increasing costs and impacting small businesses and healthcare access. Kennedy made this statement in a press release dated February 21.
"SB 68 is a major step toward reining in the excessive litigation that is driving up costs for healthcare providers, job creators, and consumers," said F. Kennedy. "Because of rising litigation costs, small business owners are forced to lay off employees or shut down as their liability insurance premiums skyrocket. Pregnant women in rural areas must now travel over two hours to see an OB-GYN because local hospitals have been forced to close. When healthcare providers leave the state due to an unpredictable legal climate, entire communities suffer. It's time to restore fairness and stability to our civil justice system, and today's passage of SB 68 is a critical step in that direction."
Kennedy issued the press release following the passage of Senate Bill 68, a tort reform measure he sponsored, through the Senate. The bill aims to reduce excessive litigation, which Kennedy argues is driving up costs for healthcare providers and businesses. He described the legislation as a critical step toward enhancing Georgia’s legal climate and economic competitiveness. The bill now advances to the Georgia House for further consideration.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7 indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. This view is shared across party lines with Republicans at 88%, Independents at 64%, and Democrats at 62%. The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, also found that 85% of voters consider it important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Furthermore, 82% of individuals who have used personal injury lawyers support reforms to the current system.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform released on January 24 highlighted that rising tort costs in Georgia are imposing an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall living expenses. In 2022, tort costs in the state reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
According to InsuranceRateReporter.com on February 18, 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 indicates that 69% of Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address them. However, many respondents remain unaware of these tactics; with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing TPLF.
Senator Kennedy was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2014 representing multiple counties including Crawford, Monroe, and parts of Bibb and Houston. He served as Governor Deal’s Floor Leader during his first term and was later elected Senate Majority Caucus Chairman for the 2017-2018 term. Kennedy currently serves as President Pro Tempore.