ATRA Cheers Bill's Passage, Eyes Governor's Signature on SB 68
Georgia Legislature Enacts Pivotal legislation on Tort Liability Revision
The Georgia legislature has pushed through a pivotal tort reform bill meant to jettison the state's infamous "Judicial Hellhole" designation, with the measure now awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp's signature.
WASHINGTON - Georgia lawmakers have agreed on a crucial civil justice system overhaul bill expected to drastically improve the state's standing as a hotbed of high-cost litigation and burdensome verdicts. The legislature's move follows years of criticism leveled against Georgia's legal system, labeling it a favored destination for plaintiff-oriented lawsuits.
Tiger Joyce, American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) president, praised the lawmakers' decision, stating, "With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to creating a fairer, more balanced civil justice system for Georgia's residents."
The House and Senate have agreed on an amended version of Senate Bill 68, which revises the state's approach to phantom damages – awards based on excessive medical bill amounts that aren't paid out in reality, contributing significantly to the increasing litigation costs across Georgia.
While some modifications were made during the legislative process, such as alterations to the seat belt evidence admissibility provision, ATRA recognizes the bill as a significant stride in Georgia's tort reform journey. The legislation also takes aim at expanding premises liability, evaluating business responsibility when considering crimes committed by third parties on or near property, even if they couldn't predict such actions.
"We're grateful to Governor Kemp for his steadfast commitment to our cause. This bill's passage and subsequent signing will undoubtedly contribute to Georgia's transformation into a more favorable destination for businesses," Joyce added.
As a persistent mislabeling of Georgia as a "Judicial Hellhole" persists, the state currently ranks fourth on the American Tort Reform Foundation's list. Its standing is attributed largely to the escalating prevalence of multimillion-dollar verdicts, like the recent $2.5 billion punitive damage award.
Exorbitant tort costs in Georgia impose an approximate $1,415 annual "tort tax" on each resident, equating to nearly $5,662 annually for a family of four. This financial burden has seen a 27% increase since 2021 and contributes to an estimated loss of 134,898 jobs each year.
Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, a long-time civil justice reform advocate, spearheaded the endeavor as S.B. 68's primary sponsor. He is backed by a coalition of senators including Gooch, Robertson, Anavitarte, Walker, Cowsert, Ben Watson, Echols, Dolezal, Still, Kirkpatrick, Beach, Payne, Ginn, Lee Anderson, Williams, Burns, Albers, Dixon, Setzler, Brass, Goodman, Hodges, Sam Watson, and Harbin. The bill held sponsorship in the House by Majority Whip James Burchett.
Founded in 1986, ATRA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to amending the civil justice system through education and legislative enactment. Over the years, ATRA's network of grassroots supporters and state-based coalitions has led to the implementation of many state and federal laws that promote fairness, predictability, and efficiency in the legal system.
The passage of Senate Bill 68, a crucial civil justice system overhaul bill in Georgia, has been hailed by ATRA as a significant step towards fostering a fairer, more balanced civil justice system for Georgia's residents. This bill, which aims to transform Georgia's legal system and improve its standing in the face of criticism as a favored destination for high-risk litigation, is set to contribute positively to the state's political landscape and general news.
