U.S. Representative Mike Collins, congressman for Georgia’s 10th District, said that the passing of Governor Brian Kemp’s Tort Reform Bill in the State Senate is "great news for Georgia’s small businesses and taxpayers." Collins made this statement in a February 27 post on X.
"Great news for Georgia's small businesses and taxpayers," said Collins, Congressman (GA-10). "Keep it up!"
On February 21, the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate issued a press release following the passage of SB 68, a significant tort reform measure. The bill aims to reduce excessive litigation, which Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy said is driving up costs for healthcare providers and businesses.
Rep. Mike Collins Feb 27 statement
| X.com
According to a February 18 report from the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, Georgia law allows business owners to be held civilly liable for crimes committed on their property, even if they were not involved. This is due to premises liability, which can result in severe consequences for business owners. Hunter Loggins of NFIB-Georgia argues that this legal framework is unfair and detrimental to businesses. The issue has become a key point in discussions about tort reform in the state.
On February 7, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll showing that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services, with bipartisan support across Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). The survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5 also found that 85% of voters believe it is 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, impacting 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. These expenses stem from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
Collins is a businessman and entrepreneur with decades of experience representing Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. He and his wife founded a successful trucking company in the 1990s, which now employs over 100 Georgians. Collins has also held leadership roles in a major credit union and his local Chamber of Commerce, influencing his approach to public service.