Chris Butler, an investigative journalist for the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, said that real estate officials believe Georgia's lack of tort reform is adversely affecting their industry, with customers bearing the consequences. Butler made this statement in a March 6 post on X.
"Real estate officials say Georgia's lack of tort reform puts their industry under assault," said Butler. "Here's how customers suffer."
According to a report from the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, businesses in Georgia can be held civilly liable if a criminal harms someone on their property and the court determines the business failed to provide adequate security. This legal precedent was set by the Georgia Supreme Court in a case where a shooting victim sued CVS after being shot on its premises. Some corporate real estate leaders argue that taking reasonable security measures should be enough to protect businesses from liability.
Butler's March 6 statement
| X.com
On January 30, Governor Brian Kemp issued a press release announcing a comprehensive tort reform package aimed at creating fairness in Georgia’s court system. The proposal seeks to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers while promoting transparency and fairness in legal proceedings. Kemp emphasized the critical need to protect hardworking Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation. The reform package is supported by industry leaders who believe it will improve the state’s business climate and legal system.
On February 7, 2025, 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. The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, found bipartisan agreement, with 88% of Republicans, 64% of Independents, and 62% of Democrats in agreement. Additionally, 85% of voters considered it important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. The survey also revealed that 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 arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
Butler is an investigative journalist with the Georgia Public Policy Foundation with two decades of experience in journalism. He has received awards for writing and photography from the Louisiana Press Association and the Mississippi/Louisiana Associated Press. His reporting has covered various topics including the legal system, education, politics, business, human interest stories, and major hurricanes' aftermath.