Thank You, Governor Kemp, for Putting Georgia Consumers First

Governor Brian Kemp recently signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, marking a significant achievement for Georgia’s consumers and small business owners. These new laws aim to address lawsuit abuse and modernize the legal system, providing relief for the state’s residents.

Lawsuit abuse may not be a topic of daily conversation for most Georgians, but its effects are felt through increased costs of goods and services, ultimately impacting consumers. Exploitative practices by opportunistic trial lawyers have led to a rise in frivolous lawsuits, burdening taxpayers, small businesses, and families.

Georgia’s ranking as the fourth Judicial Hellhole in a recent report underscores the prevalence of baseless lawsuits in the state. A study by the Institute for Legal Reform revealed that Georgia households bear an average annual cost of $5,050 due to tort-related expenses. Furthermore, the study highlighted a concerning 10.6% annual growth rate in such costs from 2016 to 2022, indicating a worsening problem.

The enactment of Bills 68 and 69 signals a positive direction for Georgia, offering a potential solution to the issue. Similar reforms in states like West Virginia resulted in a significant reduction in lawsuit costs, providing hope for lower prices and decreased legal risks for businesses in Georgia.

The need for reform is evident, as exemplified by cases like that of Eric Gray, a hotel owner faced with a baseless lawsuit demanding $2,000 for an ADA lift that was already installed. Such predatory practices underscore the urgency for change in Georgia’s legal landscape, and Governor Kemp’s leadership in this reform is crucial for protecting small businesses and consumers from exploitation.

Governor Kemp’s commitment to meaningful tort reform reflects a pro-business stance for Georgia, prioritizing the interests of job creators, consumers, and communities over profit-seeking trial lawyers. This move positions Georgia as a pioneer in legal reform, paving the way for a fairer and more transparent legal environment in the state.