The Georgia State Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 69 (SB 69), a key component of Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform package. The bill, which now awaits consideration in the Georgia House of Representatives, seeks to regulate third-party litigation funding (TPLF). This practice involves external financiers investing in lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any settlement or award. SB 69 mandates that these financiers register with the state and prohibits foreign adversaries from funding litigation, aiming to protect plaintiffs from potential exploitation and limit undue influence in civil proceedings.
"Georgia's need for SB 69 is clear. In addition to safeguarding our families, businesses, and overall economic competitiveness, this bill will enhance our national security by preventing hostile foreign entities from exploiting Georgia's courtrooms for their own harmful agendas. 2. For 20 years, securing tort reform has been the top legislative priority of the Chamber," said Chris Clark, President & CEO. "For 20 years, securing tort reform has been the top legislative priority of the Chamber. Over the last week, the Georgia State Senate took two of the most important steps toward that goal by passing SB 68 and SB 69. We look forward to working with the leaders of the Georgia State House to do right by Georgians and get both SB 68 and SB 69 signed into law so our courts can focus on justice—not jackpots."
According to Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, "the need for SB 69 is clear," as it will safeguard families, businesses, and economic competitiveness while enhancing national security. Clark made this statement in a press release on February 27.
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, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, revealed bipartisan agreement across Republicans (88%), independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). Additionally, 85% of voters consider it important for the legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. The poll also showed that 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 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing an increasing financial burden on households. These costs are driving up insurance premiums and the overall cost of living. In 2022, the state's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household.
According to InsuranceRateReporter.com on February 18, a survey by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US identified plaintiff lawyer tactics such as TPLF and jury anchoring as contributors to rising insurance costs. The survey estimated a $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy due to these practices. It found that while 69% of Americans believe these tactics increase insurance premiums and 86% support legal reforms to address them, a significant portion remains unaware of these tactics; with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing TPLF.
Chris Clark has been at the helm of the Georgia Chamber since 2010. A native Georgian with extensive experience in state government roles such as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development, he is also an author. His first book, "The CEO Imperative," was published in 2023.