To reduce the economic burden that civil litigation places on Georgia businesses and consumers, Governor Brian P. Kemp this week convened a roundtable discussion with small business leaders and state officials to discuss possible reforms and gather input for upcoming legislative sessions.
Gov. Brian P. Kemp joined other state leaders this week to host a roundtable discussion with small business owners on the impact of civil litigation on the state’s business climate and everyday financial resources for hard-working Georgians. This is the first of three roundtable discussions on the topic that Gov. Kemp announced earlier this month to engage stakeholders from across the state that will ultimately inform policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session.
“Just over a year ago, I announced my intention to work toward common sense judicial reform while bringing jobs to Georgia and maintaining our position as the No. 1 state for business,” said Governor Brian Kemp“We took the first meaningful steps on this issue last session with the Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act. As we move forward, I want to thank the Legislature and everyone across the state who has engaged with this issue as we work together to address this growing problem.”
The Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act, sponsored by the Governor’s Caucus Chair Will Wade, created a mechanism to collect the necessary information that will guide the next steps of this multi-year effort. Both chambers of the General Assembly also worked on legislation specifically addressing the issue of civil litigation during the 2024 session, including SB 426 and SB 83. Both the Senate and House will remain valued partners in the broader effort to curb the rising costs of civil litigation.
“I want to thank Governor Kemp for bringing this group together,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones“I have always supported measures that provide needed relief to Georgia’s business community. We made legitimate progress last session to level the playing field when a case goes to court. I look forward to working with Governor Kemp, Speaker Burns and other stakeholders to pass meaningful litigation reform that will benefit our growing business community and strengthen Georgia’s pro-business climate.”
“To ensure Georgia remains the number one state for business while protecting consumer rights, a balanced approach to litigation reform is needed,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “The Georgia House of Representatives has made significant progress in improving our litigation climate, but there is certainly more work to be done. As always, we will be guided by the facts, gather input from constituents and stakeholders across the state, and seek thoughtful, data-driven solutions to restore balance and ensure our business climate and quality of life in Georgia continue to thrive. We look forward to working with Governor Kemp and our colleagues in the Senate to advance legislation that promotes economic growth and equity for all Georgians.”
“I am truly grateful to Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones, Speaker Burns and all members of the General Assembly for their help in moving the ball forward in the last session,” said Fire Safety Officer for Insurance and Security, John King“Litigation abuse reform is necessary to ensure that Georgia and its citizens continue to be an economic leader.”
In his opening remarks to the panel, Governor Kemp emphasized that all sides of the litigation reform issue have a voice throughout the process. He acknowledged that tackling this issue is difficult, but noted that it must be addressed with unified forces to stabilize costs for hard-working Georgians and businesses.
“Security companies face a two-pronged challenge in their efforts to make Georgia safer: on the one hand, the number of lawsuits is increasing due to recent court decisions, and on the other hand, given the current litigation in Georgia, they are unable to find affordable insurance,” said Peter Skiko of the Georgia Independent Security Association“We commend Governor Kemp and other state leaders for listening to the concerns of industry experts and directly addressing the need for tort reform in Georgia in the upcoming legislative session.”
“We sincerely thank Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, Commissioner King and all other leaders for coming here today to speak with small business owners about the financial impact that lawsuit abuse has on Georgia’s economy,” said John Sambdman of the National Federation of Independent Business“Irrelevant lawsuits result in higher insurance premiums that small business owners cannot afford, especially when inflation drives up the cost of doing business.”
“The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores appreciates the Governor’s willingness to speak with the small business community about this hotly debated but very necessary issue,” said Matt Jones of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores“I hope that all of our elected officials learn from this dialogue not only that the current climate of civil litigation is burdening businesses large and small in this state, but also that this issue affects all citizens of Georgia. Virtually everyone has seen an increase in personal insurance premiums, along with significant increases in business insurance premiums.”
“The Georgia Food Industry Association and food retailers across this state are grateful that our leading legislators are listening to our challenges regarding the skyrocketing costs of running a business in Georgia,” said John Triplett of the Georgia Food Industry Association“Groceries retailers are essential businesses in every community and operate on extremely thin profit margins. The increased cost of liability insurance could lead to the closure of some locations, creating food deserts. We commend our elected officials for addressing this issue.”
“I am grateful to Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, Commissioner King and the members of the General Assembly for their commitment to addressing the need for legal reform in our state,” said Alexis Kinsey of the Georgia Restaurant Association“Our restaurants, like many others, are family owned and operated; and the frequency of frivolous lawsuits in the state threatens our ability to grow, create jobs and serve communities. This conversation is a big step toward addressing this much-needed reform and continuing to make our state a great place to do business.”
Attendees discussed the impact of Georgia’s civil litigation climate and its impact on insurance premiums and availability for small businesses and their communities. As rates continue to be at record highs nationwide, reducing the economic burden on Georgia citizens is a top priority for both Governor Kemp and the General Assembly.
“The legal environment in Georgia presents significant challenges to businesses and consumers, leading to uncertainty and higher costs,” said Will Wilson of Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia“As an independent insurance agent, I see firsthand how the burden of excessive litigation drives up insurance premiums and hinders businesses’ ability to thrive and innovate. Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia commends Governor Kemp and legislative leaders for prioritizing much-needed litigation reform.”
“For over a decade, Georgia has been considered a top state for businesses,” said Charles Tarbutton of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association“For our state to continue to thrive, balance must be restored to our civil justice system. This balance can only be achieved through legislative action. I applaud the fact that Governor Kemp, himself a small business owner, is committed in principle to this necessary reform.”
“The judicial reform we are discussing today is about giving family businesses like ours the freedom to focus on what we do best – taking care of children and building a legacy,” said Robert Hill of the Georgia Child Care Association“As I prepare to follow in my parents’ footsteps, reducing the burden of unnecessary litigation means we can invest more in quality, safety and the future of our community.”
The Governor’s Office thanks all participants in the discussion organized by Samson Tours and looks forward to further discussion on this topic.
