John F. Kennedy, Senator for Georgia, said that the proposed civil justice legislation is focused on stabilizing costs and ensuring fairness for all Georgians, rather than protecting corporate profits. This statement was made during a Georgia Senate hearing on February 20.
"For those who have doubts about this bill, my message to you is simple. Do not buy the message that's being put out there by some who, quite frankly, benefit from the current civil justice system that we have while the rest of our state is paying for it," said F. Kennedy. "Despite what you may have heard from the AJC's opinion page, this legislation is not about protecting corporate profits. It's not about caving to the demands of the insurance companies or denying Georgians their ability to be fully and fairly compensated when they need to go to court. Instead, it is about stabilizing costs and putting all Georgians, no matter where your zip code is, first."
On February 21, 2025, the Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill 68 with a 33-21 vote. The legislation aims to reform the state's tort laws by addressing issues such as "phantom damages" and "jury anchoring." Proponents argue that these reforms will create a more balanced civil justice system. However, opponents express concerns about potential limitations on compensation for victims, according to the American Tort Reform Association.
A report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform indicates that Georgia's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion in 2022, accounting for 2.60% of the state's GDP. This translates to an average of $5,050 per household, representing a significant financial burden affecting residents statewide. The report underscores the need for legal reforms to manage and potentially reduce these costs.
Governor Brian Kemp has mentioned that Georgia's current litigation climate has led to increased costs for consumers and higher barriers for businesses. In a roundtable discussion, he noted that excessive litigation contributes to rising insurance premiums, impacting both individuals and companies. Kemp's proposed tort reform aims to address these issues by creating a more balanced legal environment.
Senator Kennedy represents Georgia's 18th District and serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He has been a vocal advocate for tort reform, sponsoring Senate Bill 68 to address concerns over excessive litigation and its economic impact.