John F. Kennedy, the State Senator for Georgia, said that Senate Bill 68 represents a carefully developed and balanced approach to tort reform, informed by past legislation and broad collaboration. This statement was made during a Georgia Senate hearing on March 21.
"This has been something that's been on our radar screen for quite some time, and it needed attention," said F. Kennedy. "All of that knowledge and all of that assistance went into inform what is a really good balanced bill that we see in Senate Bill 68. This puts us on a better trajectory. We're going to have the great environment that we've enjoyed for quite some time."
At the hearing on March 21, 2025, Kennedy spoke in support of SB 68, a comprehensive tort reform bill aimed at reshaping Georgia’s civil justice framework. He credited the deliberative process and bipartisan input for producing a balanced piece of legislation. The bill awaits final approval by Governor Brian Kemp, who is expected to sign it into law.
On February 21, 2025, the Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill 68 with a 33-21 vote. This legislation aims to reform the state's tort laws by addressing issues such as "phantom damages" and "jury anchoring." According to the American Tort Reform Association, proponents argue that these reforms will create a more balanced civil justice system, while opponents express concerns about potential limitations on compensation for victims.
According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform, Georgia's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion in 2022, accounting for 2.60% of the state's GDP. This translates to an average of $5,050 per household, representing a substantial financial burden affecting residents statewide. The report highlights the need for legal reforms to manage and potentially reduce these costs.
Kennedy represents Georgia's 18th District and serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He has been a vocal advocate for tort reform, sponsoring Senate Bill 68 to address concerns over excessive litigation and its economic impact.