Tyler Harper, the Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia, said that tort reform represents a significant victory for the state's agricultural industry, farm families, and all Georgians. Harper made this announcement in a post on X on March 21.
"Tort reform is a huge win for Georgia's #1 industry," said Harper. "Grateful for the work Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones and Speaker Jon Burns, and supporters in the General Assembly have done to get HB68 across the finish line!"
According to the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), its weekly legislative report expressed strong support for Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform initiatives. The report highlighted the adverse effects of the current legal climate on farmers and small businesses. It also emphasized Kemp's commitment to implementing meaningful tort reform to address issues such as rising insurance premiums and frivolous lawsuits.
Tyler Harper's March 21 statement
| X.com
The GFB press release noted that its members convened at the Capitol on February 11 to advocate for critical issues, including tort reform. During discussions with legislators, they underscored the necessity of legal reforms to shield farmers and small businesses from excessive litigation. GFB President Tom McCall encouraged members to engage with their representatives and back policies promoting a fairer legal environment.
On February 7, 2025, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. This sentiment received bipartisan support across Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, also revealed that 85% of voters consider it crucial for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Additionally, 82% of individuals who have utilized personal injury lawyers supported reforms to the current system.
A study published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform on January 24 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are imposing an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall living expenses. In 2022, the state's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
Tyler J. Harper is a seventh-generation farmer and small business owner serving as Georgia’s 17th Agriculture Commissioner and a former State Senator. A lifelong resident of South Georgia from Ocilla, he holds degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Georgia and agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Harper is actively involved in his community and has held leadership roles in several statewide organizations.