Burt Jones, the lieutenant governor of Georgia, said that Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform bills are pro-Georgia measures designed to address hidden legal costs, stabilize insurance rates, and create a fairer system prioritizing families and consumers. Jones made his statement in a post on X.
"My position on this important issue has not changed - these are not anti-lawyer or pro-insurance bills, these are pro-Georgia bills," said Jones, Lt. Governor. "From the extensive debate we saw on this issue, it is clear that the environment we are in right now is not playing well consistently and something had to change to level the playing field. These bills ensure that we put Georgia families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we have all been paying thanks to Georgia's current tort laws. These much-needed reforms, which I was proud to support, strike a balance by stabilizing insurance costs for businesses and consumers, while increasing transparency and fairness for all Georgia citizens."
On April 21, Governor Kemp signed a comprehensive tort reform package into law, describing it as a historic step toward restoring fairness and balance in Georgia’s civil justice system. The legislation encompasses various legal reforms, including premises liability, medical damages transparency, curbing excessive jury awards, bifurcated trials, and limits on third-party litigation funding—particularly from hostile foreign actors. Key sponsors and legislative leaders such as Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns commended the bipartisan effort to implement reforms aimed at transparency, fairness, and economic competitiveness. Kemp attributed the successful enactment of the reform to the collaboration of lawmakers and citizen support across Georgia.
Lt. Gov. Jones' April 21 statement
| X.com
According to the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), Georgia lawmakers have approved a significant tort reform measure intended to address the state's designation as a "judicial hellhole," which has been signed into law by Governor Kemp. ATRA President Tiger Joyce said the reforms target issues contributing to Georgia’s negative legal reputation. The measure aims to reduce frivolous lawsuits and improve fairness in the state’s courts.
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 is shared across party lines with Republicans (88%), independents (64%), and Democrats (62%) agreeing. 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 highlighted that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall living costs. In 2022, these tort costs amounted to nearly $20 billion statewide, averaging over $2,000 per household due to civil litigation expenses impacting businesses and consumers alike.
Jones is noted as being the 13th lieutenant governor of Georgia and is recognized for his previous roles as a state senator and businessman with a strong record in job creation and business growth within Georgia.