Chris Clark, CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of tort reform for the organization. He said that it has been the Chamber's top priority for two decades and described its passage as one of the "most significant steps taken to protect Georgia's economic competitiveness." Clark made this statement in a post on X on March 21.
"For the past 20 years, securing tort reform has been the top legislative priority of the Georgia Chamber," said Clark, President & CEO. "Passing SB 68 is one of the most significant steps taken to protect Georgia's economic competitiveness. We will now focus on finishing the job by passing SB 69 to protect our courts from foreign influences and out-of-state forces that care more about jack pots than justice."
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the final passage of SB 68, a significant component of Governor Brian Kemp’s tort reform package. The bill now awaits the governor's signature to become law. According to the Chamber, SB 68 passed with bipartisan support in both the Georgia State House of Representatives and State Senate. The legislation is seen as a critical step toward enhancing Georgia’s legal climate and economic competitiveness. The Chamber also noted that their focus will now shift to advancing reforms outlined in SB 69, which aim to shield Georgia courts from foreign influences.
Clark's March 21 statement
| X.com
On January 30, Governor Brian Kemp announced a comprehensive tort reform package designed to create fairness within Georgia’s court system and prevent exploitation by foreign entities. This proposal aims to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers while promoting transparency in legal proceedings. Kemp, joined by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and Insurance Commissioner John King, highlighted the urgency of protecting Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7, 2025, indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. This sentiment was shared across party lines: Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, the survey also found that 85% of voters consider addressing lawsuit abuse crucial for eliminating hidden taxes on consumers.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform reported on January 24 that rising tort costs in Georgia are imposing an increasing financial burden on households. In 2022 alone, these costs amounted to nearly $20 billion statewide, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation and related administrative processes affecting both businesses and consumers.
Chris Clark has led the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO since 2010. A native Georgian with previous roles in state government such as Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources and Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development, Clark is also an author with his first book published in 2023.