Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia Introduces Extensive Tort Reform Plan to Address Rising Expenses
Revamped Article:
Get Prepared for Georgia's Tort Tax Slash! Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's Tort Reform Agenda on the Horizon
ATLANTA - Georgians, buckle up! Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) recently unveiled an ambitious tort reform agenda, aiming to ease the burden of lawsuit abuse on residents across the state. At a press conference held in the state capitol, Kemp detailed a robust package of nearly a dozen legislative fixes.
"The people of Georgia demand tort reform, and they want it now," declared Kemp during the conference. His legislative package has received backing from Tiger Joyce, American Tort Reform Association president, who remarked, "We're thrilled to see Gov. Kemp prioritize lawsuit reform in Atlanta. We encourage lawmakers to work together on passing this package to provide Georgians much-needed relief."
What's at Stake?
Research shows that every Georgia resident currently pays a staggering $1,372 annually, otherwise known as the "tort tax," due to excessive litigation costs. These costs also lead to a loss of approximately 137,658 jobs annually across the state. Residents in the Atlanta metro area are hit the hardest, with an annual "tort tax" of a whopping $2,084. On the other hand, Savannah and Augusta metro areas residents see some relief, with tort tax payments of $594 and $803, respectively.
For years, Georgia has held the undesirable title of a "Judicial Hellhole®," making it a hotspot for lawsuit abuse. According to the American Tort Reform Foundation, the state has been on this list since 2019, earning the No. 4 spot on its most recent list. However, Kemp's prioritization of legal reform helped Georgia slide down the ranking on the 2024-2025 list.
On the Agenda
Gov. Kemp and his team have put forth nine policy solutions that address numerous concerns reported by ATRA over the past several years. Among them, we find solutions to tackle issues such as:
- Seatbelt evidence admissibility;
- Phantom damages;
- Anchoring;
- Third-party litigation financing;
- Premises liability;
- Double recovery of attorneys' fees;
- Bifurcated trials;
- Plaintiff dismissal during trial; and,
- Motion to dismiss timing.
Impact on Georgian Residents
If passed, these reforms could significantly improve the lives of Georgians. By cutting down on litigation-related costs, the reforms aim to reduce insurance premiums for businesses and individuals, thereby lessening the burden of the "tort tax" on residents, potentially preventing job losses attributed to high tort costs.
Stay tuned for updates as Kemp's tort reform package makes it way through the state house. Let's hope for a fairer legal system that boosts Georgia's economic growth and job creation for all Georgians.
ATRA will keep a close eye on developments in Georgia's state house in the months to come.
Fun Fact: Known as the "Empire State of the South," Georgia is the ninth-largest state in U.S. area and population. The Peach State doesn't just produce peaches; it's one of the leading producers of blueberries, pecans, and Vidalia onions—delicious!
About the American Tort Reform Association:Established in 1986, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) serves as a trusted, nonpartisan organization dedicated to reforming the civil justice system through education and legislative action. Backed by 154,000 grassroots supporters, ATRA acts as a comprehensive network of state-based liability reform coalitions, advocating for fairness and efficiency in America's courts.
Enrichment Data:- The reform package was signed into law on April 21, 2025, encompassing Senate Bills 68 and 69.- This comprehensive tort reform package marks the most significant overhaul of Georgia's tort system since 2005.- Senate Bill 68 redefines the standard of care that business owners owe to patrons for injuries caused by third-party incidents.- Recoverable medical special damages are now limited to the “reasonable value” of services, with billed charges and amounts actually paid factoring into evidence.- This reform also impacts the discoverability and admissibility of arrangements where providers accept payment from judgments or settlements (letters of protection).- The legislation introduces procedural tools to reduce litigation expenses.- Regulation of third-party litigation financing aims to manage the funding's impact on lawsuits.- The reforms are expected to lower insurance costs for businesses and individuals, thereby reducing the annual "tort tax" imposed on Georgians, improving the state's litigation climate and economic environment.
Politics surrounding policy-and-legislation is heating up in Georgia, with Gov. Brian Kemp's tort reform agenda receiving attention from both general-news outlets and organizations like the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). The proposed reforms aim to address issues such as third-party litigation financing, anchoring, and premises liability, which are significant concerns pointed out by ATRA. The enactment of these reforms could potentially lead to a more fair legal system, boost Georgia's economic growth, and lower the annual "tort tax" burden on its residents.
