Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), said that the passage of Senate Bill 68 by the Georgia Senate will assist consumers and small businesses by reducing costs and enhancing transparency. This statement was made in a press release on February 21.
"PACT applauds the legislators in the Georgia Senate for making the Peach State more affordable for families and small businesses," said Zelt. "S.B. 68 protects consumers, lowers costs, brings commonsense reforms to a broken system, increases transparency, and ensures individuals can access the justice system with the respect and dignity they deserve. The time is now to pass this legislation through the Georgia House and get it to Governor Kemp's desk for signature."
On February 21, 2025, the Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill 68 with a vote of 33-21. According to the Georgia Senate, this comprehensive tort reform legislation seeks to limit lawsuit awards and reduce excessive litigation costs. Proponents argue that it will benefit healthcare providers, businesses, and consumers by stabilizing costs. The bill now moves to the Georgia House for further consideration.
According to the American Tort Reform Association, Georgia's litigation environment has led to significant economic impacts. The state has been ranked among the top "Judicial Hellholes," with litigation costs contributing to increased expenses for businesses and consumers. These excessive costs have driven efforts for reforms like S.B. 68.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce indicates that excessive litigation costs American consumers and businesses billions of dollars annually. These costs are often transferred to consumers through higher prices and can deter business investments, underscoring the need for tort reform measures such as those proposed in Georgia's S.B. 68.
Zelt is the Executive Director of PACT, a national advocacy organization focused on ensuring a fair and transparent legal process for consumers. With over a decade of experience in media and political communications, she has held positions including deputy communications director for U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte and director of media affairs for Romney for President in 2012. She founded Zelt Communications in 2019, specializing in earned media and campaign management.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) is a national advocacy and educational organization dedicated to advocating for plaintiffs, victims, and consumers to ensure access to a fair legal process. PACT focuses on protecting consumers from exploitative practices within the personal injury legal system and advocates for reforms to create a balanced legal environment.