Tort reform efforts gain momentum
Summary
Brian Kemp’s overhaul effort brings two bills (SB68 and SB69) to protect small businesses from lawsuits and help lower rising insurance rates. To limit excessive pain and suffering awards, the bill prohibits attorneys from using unrelated comparisons, such as the cost of fighter jets or celebrity salaries, to influence jury decisions. It bans foreign adversaries from exploiting Georgia’s legal system, protects plaintiffs from predatory lenders and ensures all parties, including courts and opposing litigants, have visibility into funding arrangements. Legislators introduced two new bills (SB37 and SB490) this year, which include requiring a bifurcated trial process, preventing trucking companies from being sued unless the driver is first found liable. Gary Langston, president, Indiana Motor Truck Association, noted that the only roadblock to fixing abuse and unfair lawsuits has been the plaintiff bar and the legislators they are able to influence.