The Georgia State Senate announced that tort reform Senate Bill 69 passed unanimously with a 52-0 vote. The announcement was made on the social media platform X on February 27.
According to LegiScan, Senate Bill 69, titled the "Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act," aims to regulate third-party litigation financing practices within the state. This legislation seeks to amend Title 7 and Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, focusing on banking, finance, and deposition procedures under the "Georgia Civil Practice Act." The bill's unanimous passage in the Senate reflects a strong bipartisan consensus on the need for reform in litigation financing.
Georgia’s litigation costs are among the highest in the country, contributing to increased insurance premiums and higher expenses for businesses and consumers. The proposed legislation aims to change legal procedures affecting these costs, including rules on attorney fees, jury awards, and liability standards. According to Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, these changes would align Georgia’s legal system more closely with other states and impact both businesses and individuals involved in civil litigation.
The Georgia State Senate is the upper house of the Georgia General Assembly, consisting of 56 senators elected to two-year terms. The Senate convenes annually at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, beginning on the second Monday in January, for a 40-day legislative session. Its responsibilities include passing legislation, setting the state budget, and confirming gubernatorial appointments.