Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia, has emphasized the necessity of tort reform to address rising insurance premiums and what he describes as an unbalanced legal system impacting hardworking Georgians. This statement was made on March 3.
"When hardworking Georgians tell you they want relief from rising insurance premiums and an out-of-balance legal environment," said Kemp. "the fight for tort reform is a fight worth having."
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), Georgia's tort costs in 2022 amounted to $20 billion, representing 2.60% of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). On average, this equated to $5,050 per household. These costs encompass settlements, legal fees, and related expenses.
State officials have associated civil litigation with increased insurance premiums for both businesses and individuals. These financial burdens are reported to affect sectors such as healthcare and transportation. The proposed legislation aims to address these costs by altering damage calculations and procedural rules, as reported by Wabe.
Kemp's website details his background as a native of Athens, Georgia, where he began his first small business over 35 years ago with just a pickup truck and a shovel. He was elected as Georgia’s 83rd governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. During his administration, Georgia has been ranked as the top state for business for ten consecutive years. His tenure has seen the signing of legislation concerning public safety, economic policy, tax cuts, education funding, and human trafficking prevention. Kemp resides with his family on their farm in Athens.