Georgia lawmakers likely to consider litigation reform next year

Georgia lawmakers will likely address civil litigation when they return to Atlanta in January.

“We need to focus on sensible legislation addressing lawsuit reform that will grow Georgia’s workforce and encourage businesses to hire hardworking citizens,” Lieutenant Gov. Burt Jones said in an announcement following a series of roundtable discussions on civil litigation and its effect on the state’s economic wellbeing.

“The unfortunate reality is our current litigation climate has led to increased costs for consumers and a higher barrier to entry for those who want to create jobs in our state,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in an announcement. “As we prepare to address this issue, these listening sessions have allowed us to hear from a diverse group of stakeholders who have shared thoughtful input that will inform our next steps.”

Georgia officials love to tout the Peach State’s business ranking, and some state leaders have expressed concerns that, left unchecked, Georgia’s litigious landscape could affect its standing.

Earlier this year, Georgia lawmakers passed, and Kemp signed House Bill 1114, the Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act. Officials said the measure created a mechanism to gather needed information to guide the next steps.

Both the state House and state Senate also worked on legislation during the 2024 session specific to the issue of civil litigation, including Senate Bill 426, which limits plaintiffs’ ability to sue motor carriers and their insurers simultaneously, and Senate Bill 83, which amends the Georgia Civil Practice Act for cases involving auto wrecks.

A recent National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index finding confirmed that businesses face ongoing uncertainty.

When I think about lawsuit abuse reform, I think about the thousands of Georgia families who will be stuck in food deserts and struggle to meet their basic needs when these stores are forced to close,” Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said in an announcement.

“I think about the small business owners, who cannot afford their insurance because they must pay for the criminal actions of people who may come to their business,” King added. “As we continue to discuss the impacts that lawsuit abuse reform will have on our state, and the necessity for its passage this upcoming session, I want us to remember who and what is really at stake.”