Hunter Loggins, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), said that Georgia's lawsuit reforms aim to restore fairness, protect businesses from predatory litigation, and bring transparency to third-party litigation funding. Loggins made his statement in a press release.
"Small business owners across Georgia have waited a long time for meaningful lawsuit reform, and we're incredibly grateful to Governor Kemp for making this a priority," said Loggins, Georgia State Director. "These bills will go a long way toward restoring fairness in our legal system and protecting small businesses from predatory practices that drive up costs and hinder growth. These changes bring greater fairness and common sense to civil litigation. SB 69 is especially important because it shines a light on a shadowy industry that's more about shaking down defendants than helping victims."
On April 21, Governor Brian 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 Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns commended the bipartisan effort for delivering reforms focused on transparency, fairness, and economic competitiveness. Kemp attributed the successful passage of the reform to the collaboration of lawmakers and citizen support across Georgia.
Georgia lawmakers approved this significant tort reform measure to address the state's designation as a "Judicial Hellhole," which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Kemp. According to a press release from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), the legislature's efforts have the potential to create a more balanced civil justice system in Georgia. ATRA President Tiger Joyce indicated that these reforms target issues contributing to Georgia’s negative legal reputation. The measure aims to reduce frivolous lawsuits and improve fairness in state 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. This sentiment is shared across party lines with Republicans at 88%, Independents at 64%, and Democrats at 62%. The survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, also showed that 85% of voters deem it important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Furthermore, 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 an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall living costs. In 2022, these tort costs reached nearly $20 billion in the state, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
As State Director of NFIB, Hunter Loggins serves as the primary advocate for small businesses within the Georgia General Assembly. He guides member engagement and political involvement statewide. Previously serving as NFIB’s Grassroots Manager, he worked to keep small business members in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi informed about key policy issues.