John F. Kennedy, State Senator for Georgia, said that Senate Bill 68 exemplifies how conservative leadership across the governor’s office and legislature can collaborate to implement legal reform. This statement was made during a Georgia Senate hearing on March 21.
"We are very blessed to have a very thoughtful, deliberative governor," said F. Kennedy. "This is a great example of how Georgians' leadership, conservative leadership can come together. It's something that's going to allow us to continue to have a great business climate here in Georgia. Thankfully, the solution was arrived at. We all found a landing spot."
According to Kennedy, he spoke during the March 21 Senate hearing to commend the passage of SB 68, a significant tort reform initiative backed by Georgia’s Republican leadership. He acknowledged the coordination between the House, Senate, and Governor’s office in crafting the bill. The legislation is seen as a step forward in maintaining Georgia’s legal and economic competitiveness.
SB 68 includes provisions designed to protect property owners from liability under specific conditions and limits attorneys’ ability to receive duplicate legal fees in civil lawsuits. It also allows for split jury decisions on fault and damages, a procedural change aimed at clarifying legal outcomes. These measures align with nationwide tort reform trends intended to reduce litigation costs, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Governor Brian Kemp has expressed concerns that Georgia's current litigation climate has resulted in increased costs for consumers and higher barriers for businesses. In a roundtable discussion, he said that excessive litigation contributes to rising insurance premiums, affecting both individuals and companies. Kemp's proposed tort reform seeks to address these issues by creating a more balanced legal environment.
Kennedy represents Georgia's 18th District and serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He has been an outspoken advocate for tort reform, sponsoring Senate Bill 68 to tackle concerns over excessive litigation and its economic impact.