Catie Ramp, CEO of the Georgia Senior Living Association, said that the state's new tort reform laws will alleviate legal pressures on senior living providers, enhance outcomes, and foster an environment conducive to industry growth and expansion. This statement was made in a blog post.
"These bills will have a transformative impact on our members — reducing legal burdens, protecting access to care, improving resident outcomes, preserving our workforce and ultimately making Georgia the best place to age in place," said Ramp, President and CEO. "We are confident this new environment will attract even more senior living operators to expand their services here in Georgia."
According to McKnight’s Senior Living, a national media brand covering seniors housing, recent legislative efforts in Georgia have resulted in the passage of SB 68 and SB 69. These bills aim to clarify premises liability standards, limit excessive jury awards, and allow bifurcated trials to streamline proceedings. The report suggests that these reforms will reduce legal burdens, curb frivolous lawsuits, and make Georgia a more attractive location for senior living operators. The changes are expected to protect care providers, preserve access to care, and ensure fairness in litigation, ultimately strengthening the long-term care sector by improving legal predictability and reducing unnecessary costs.
Georgia lawmakers have passed a significant tort reform measure aimed at addressing the state's "Judicial Hellhole" designation. The measure has been sent to Governor Brian Kemp for signature. The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) praised the legislature’s efforts. ATRA President Tiger Joyce said that the reforms have the potential to create a more balanced civil justice system in Georgia. Joyce highlighted that the changes target factors contributing to the state's negative legal reputation. The reforms are seen as a crucial step toward reducing frivolous lawsuits and improving fairness in Georgia's courts.
On February 7, 2025, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll revealing that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, the survey showed bipartisan agreement with 88% of Republicans, 64% of Independents, and 62% of Democrats sharing this view. The poll 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 utilized personal injury lawyers expressed support for 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 by driving up insurance premiums and 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 impacting both businesses and consumers.
Ramp is also noted as having nearly 25 years of leadership experience in the senior living sector as President and CEO of the Georgia Senior Living Association. She has secured nearly $50 million in funding and played a key role in advancing regulatory influence for the industry.