Jay Stone, a Publication and Web Specialist for the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), emphasized the importance of tort reform for the state's farmers. He noted a 25% increase in legal claims and rising multimillion-dollar awards as critical issues. Stone shared his comments in a press release on February 13.
"GFB members carried messages to the legislature on a variety of ag concerns, and two key topics emerged – disaster relief and tort reform," said Stone. "The five-year average of legal claims in the state has risen by 25%, faster than the state's population growth, and the number of claim awards exceeding $1 million has also increased. Proposed legislation would allow business owners – including farm business – to be held liable only for what they can control. It would also set up legal proceedings in such a way that juries decide damages for actual pain and suffering rather than have attorneys suggest damage amounts."
According to a GFB press release, members of the Georgia Farm Bureau gathered at the Capitol on February 11 to advocate for key issues, including tort reform. During meetings with legislators, members discussed the need for legal reforms to protect farmers and small businesses from excessive litigation. GFB President Tom McCall urged members to engage with their representatives to support policies that create a fairer legal environment.
In a weekly legislative report, the Georgia Farm Bureau expressed strong support for Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform initiatives. The report cited the adverse effects of the current legal climate on farmers and small businesses and highlighted Kemp's commitment to passing meaningful tort reform to address issues like rising insurance premiums and frivolous lawsuits.
On February 7, 2025, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. The survey showed bipartisan agreement across Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, it also revealed that 85% of voters consider it 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.
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. These costs drive up insurance premiums and overall living expenses. In 2022, the state’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses result from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
Stone is an award-winning writer with experience in various media formats and organizations. His background includes expertise in public relations, social media, newspapers and wire services, radio broadcasting, television production, and web-based publishing.