Chuck Payne, the state senator for Georgia's 54th District, said that passing tort reform will bring stability, opportunity, and investment in manufacturing to Georgia by creating a more predictable and transparent legal environment. Payne made his statement in a press release.
"For Dalton and Whitfield County, where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life, these reforms mean stability, opportunity and continued investment in our community," said Payne, Georgia State Senator from 54th District (R). "Together, Senate Bills 68 and 69 reinforce Georgia's standing as the No. 1 state for business by creating a predictable, transparent legal environment that supports job growth. I am proud to have co-sponsored these pieces of legislation, and I am thankful for the support of Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy in getting these measures across the finish line."
According to the statement, Senator Payne praised Governor Kemp for signing Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, describing it as a significant victory for Georgia’s civil justice system and business climate. SB 68 enacts broad tort reform aimed at reducing "nuclear verdicts" and curbing frivolous lawsuits, particularly benefiting small businesses. SB 69 complements these changes by regulating third-party litigation financing, banning foreign-backed financiers, and promoting transparency through a state registration system. Payne highlighted the reforms’ importance to manufacturing hubs like Dalton and Whitfield County, emphasizing their role in ensuring economic stability and attracting investment. He credited key leaders, including Governor Kemp and Senate leadership, for making tort reform a 2025 legislative priority.
Georgia lawmakers approved a significant tort reform measure aimed at addressing the state’s designation as a "judicial hellhole," which has already been signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. In a press release, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) said the legislature’s efforts now present an opportunity to create a more balanced civil justice system in the state. ATRA President Tiger Joyce said that the reforms target issues contributing to Georgia’s negative legal reputation. The measure is seen as a step toward reducing frivolous lawsuits and improving fairness in the state’s courts.
On February 7, 2025, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll finding that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services, with bipartisan agreement across Republicans (88%), independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). The survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2–5, 2025 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 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 businesses and consumers alike.