Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia, has highlighted rising insurance premiums and an unbalanced legal environment as key factors driving his advocacy for tort reform. "The fight for tort reform is a fight worth having," Kemp said in a Fox News interview shared on March 3.
"When hardworking Georgians tell you they want relief from rising insurance premiums and an out of balance legal environment, the fight for tort reform is a fight worth having," said Kemp.
On January 30, Kemp announced a comprehensive tort reform package aimed at ensuring fairness in Georgia's court system and preventing exploitation by foreign entities. The proposal seeks to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers while promoting transparency in legal proceedings. According to Kemp, who was joined by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and Insurance Commissioner John King, there is a growing need to protect hardworking Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation. The reform package has garnered support from industry leaders who believe it will improve the state's business climate and legal system.
GA Governor Brian Kemp's March 3 statement
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Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7, 2025, 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, also found 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 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, driving up insurance premiums and the overall cost of living. In 2022, the state’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging more than $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 found that plaintiff lawyer tactics such as third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring are contributing to rising insurance costs with an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The survey revealed that 69% of Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address the issue.
Brian Kemp hails from Athens, Georgia and built his career as a small business owner before becoming the state’s 83rd governor in 2019. His leadership has focused on economic growth with Georgia breaking records in jobs and investments during his first term.