Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia, announced that lawmakers have made history with the final passage of SB 68, a comprehensive tort reform bill. He said that this legislation will stabilize costs and ensure fairness and justice for hardworking Georgians and job creators. Kemp shared his statement in an X post on March 21.
"Thank you to President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, Lt. Governor Burt Jones Rep James Burchett, Speaker Jon Burns, and all of our partners in the General Assembly who fought the good fight for commonsense tort reform," said Kemp. "They have made history today with its final passage, helping to stabilize costs and ensure fairness and justice for hardworking Georgians and job creators alike!"
Georgia lawmakers have approved a significant tort reform measure aimed at addressing the state's "Judicial Hellhole" designation, sending it to Governor Brian Kemp for signature. According to a press release from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), the legislation has the potential to create a more balanced civil justice system in the state. ATRA President Tiger Joyce said that the reforms focus on issues contributing to Georgia's negative legal reputation, marking a step toward reducing frivolous lawsuits and enhancing fairness in the state's courts.
Governor Kemp's March 21 statement
| X.com
On January 30, Kemp issued a press release announcing the comprehensive tort reform package aimed at creating fairness in Georgia’s court system and preventing exploitation by foreign entities. The bill aims to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers and promote transparency and fairness in legal proceedings. Joined by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and Insurance Commissioner John King, Kemp emphasized that protecting hardworking Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation has become critical. The reform package is backed by industry leaders who believe it will improve the state’s business climate and legal system.
According to Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), on February 7, 2025, they released a poll revealing that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. The poll showed bipartisan agreement, with 88% of Republicans, 64% of Independents, and 62% of Democrats sharing this concern. The survey was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025. It 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 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 stem from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
Brian Kemp is a native of Athens, Georgia who built his career as a small business owner before becoming the state’s 83rd governor in 2019. His leadership has been centered on economic growth with Georgia breaking records in jobs and investments during his first term. Kemp's decision to reopen the economy early during the pandemic played a key role in the state’s financial success.