Georgia has taken a significant leap in modifying its civil justice landscape with Governor Brian P. Kemp's signing of Senate Bills 68 and 69, as announced yesterday. These new laws, propelled through the Senate by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, are expected to alter the legal terrain for businesses and consumers across the state. In a statement obtained by Senate Press, Sen. Kennedy expressed his dedication to "preserve the well-being of Georgians everywhere."
SB 68 targets multiple aspects of tort law, focusing on negligent security liability, apportionment of fault, and civil case damages. It is crafted with the aim of shielding small businesses and consumers from what are deemed excessive legal battles. Kennedy noted in a Senate Press, "Our goal as legislators is to preserve the well-being of Georgians everywhere, including small businesses, healthcare providers, and working families." He stressed that the bill "cracks down on excessive and frivolous litigation to ensure that our legal system works for those who play by the rules."
Complementing SB 68, SB 69 introduces new regulations on Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF), an industry that Kennedy and his supporters believe could potentially exploit Georgia consumers. It mandates that TPLF entities register with the state and prohibits foreign-affiliated financiers from operating in Georgia. "This billion-dollar industry, often backed by foreign actors, has no place in our civil justice system," said Sen. Kennedy in a Senate Press, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Their passage underlines Georgia's ambition to maintain its reputation as a premier business destination. Both bills have received backing from the business and legal sectors statewide. As Sen. Kennedy told Senate Press, "These reforms will bring stability to small businesses and job creators across our state," reinforcing Georgia's commitment to fortifying its economic resilience and competitiveness.
