On Monday, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement after Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law SB 68 and SB 69, the two bills comprising his meaningful, comprehensive tort reform package.

Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:

“The Georgia Chamber and our tens of thousands of members across our state heartily thank Governor Brian Kemp for signing into law SB 68 and SB 69, the two bills in his meaningful, comprehensive tort reform package. At every step of the legislative process, Governor Kemp showed the resolute leadership he is known for. By signing SB 68 and SB 69 into law, Governor Kemp took a generational step to protect Georgia’s families, small businesses, farmers, medical community, and our economic competitiveness."

“The Georgia Chamber thanks Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, and legislative sponsor Senator John F. Kennedy for their instrumental roles in passing both SB 68 and SB 69. We also commend the Georgia State Senate and Georgia State House of Representatives for consistently voting in a bipartisan manner to pass this meaningful legislative package."
 
“Securing tort reform has been the Georgia Chamber’s top legislative priority for 20 years. Getting both SB 68 and SB 69 signed into law fulfills the Georgia business community’s promise to do right by Georgians by restoring balance to the civil justice system so our courts can focus on justice—not jackpots.”

Governor Brian P. Kemp said:

"Today is a victory for the people of our state who for too long were suffering the impacts of an out-of-balance legal environment. While there was great passion on all sides of this issue, I am grateful for the diligent work of Commissioner John King and his office in studying this issue, the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns, the unrelenting work of Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy and House Majority Whip James Burchett, as well as Chairmen Brian Strickland and Rob Leverett for leading a thorough review, and the thoughtful deliberation of our legislative partners in the General Assembly. As a result of this collective effort and outpouring of support from Georgians of all backgrounds, Georgia continues to move in the right direction as we work to stabilize costs and compete for economic opportunities that will create good paying jobs for hardworking Georgians across our state."

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones said:

“My position on this important issue has not changed - these are not anti-lawyer or pro-insurance bills, these are pro-Georgia bills. From the extensive debate we saw on this issue, it is clear that the environment we are in right now is not playing well consistently and something had to change to level the playing field. I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp and his entire team for making these measures a top priority. These bills ensure that we put Georgia families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we have all been paying thanks to Georgia’s current tort laws. These much-needed reforms, which I was proud to support, strike a balance by stabilizing insurance costs for businesses and consumers, while increasing transparency and fairness for all Georgia citizens.” 
 
Speaker of the House Jon Burns said:

“Today was certainly a great day to be a Georgian as Governor Kemp signed into law the most comprehensive lawsuit reform legislation our state has seen in nearly two decades. The House was proud to support these measures that return much-needed balance to our state’s courtrooms and deliver financial relief to Georgia’s citizens and businesses facing skyrocketing insurance premiums—all while ensuring we protect the rights of Georgians with legitimate claims.”

Georgia State Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, legislative sponsor of both SB 68 and SB 69 said:

“Getting lawsuit reform across the finish line took all of us coming together and doing what is right by Georgians. Our state's legal environment was grossly unbalanced, rewarding frivolous lawsuits and causing skyrocketing premiums that burdened small businesses, job creators, healthcare providers, and families. I am grateful to Governor Kemp for signing these pieces of legislation and his leadership in getting meaningful tort reform across the finish line.” 

Georgia State Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) said:

“The signing of Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law marks a major win for Georgia’s future. By tackling lawsuit abuse head-on, we’re strengthening our legal climate and reinforcing our commitment to small businesses, job creators and entrepreneurs. These reforms enhance Georgia’s reputation as the best state to do business and lay the groundwork for even greater economic growth in the years ahead. I’m proud to partner with Governor Kemp and the Georgia Chamber as we continue building a stronger, more prosperous future for every corner of our state.” 

Joseph Santoro, Executive Director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance said:

“The Georgia Transportation Alliance applauds Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly for taking this crucial step toward creating a more fair and balanced civil justice system for all Georgians. Governor Kemp signing into law SB 68 and SB 69--his comprehensive tort reform package—will protect hardworking families, businesses, and maintain Georgia’s economic competitiveness.”

James Beal, Executive Director of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform said:

These new laws strike the right balance between ensuring access to the courts and putting an end to the legal abuse that drives up costs and hurts hardworking Georgians," said James Beal, Executive Director of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform. Thanks to Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones, Speaker Burns and the General Assembly, Georgia now has a more level playing field in the courtroom—and we will continue fighting to protect these gains and advance further reform. We will continue engaging stakeholders, educating lawmakers, and defending these critical reforms-whether that's in the General Assembly, at the ballot box, or in the court of public opinion. The future of Georgia's economy, healthcare industry, and judicial system depends on it."

John Barbour, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Insurance Agents of Georgiasaid:

“The Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG) proudly supports Governor Brian Kemp’s signing of Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 69, important reforms that take meaningful steps toward addressing legal system abuse in our state. We thank Governor Kemp and legislative leaders for standing with Georgia’s business community to bring greater balance, transparency, and accountability to our courts. These efforts reflect what’s possible when business leaders unite behind a common goal: protecting small businesses, promoting fairness, and ensuring hardworking Georgians aren’t penalized by an unfair legal system. IIAG was honored to stand alongside our partners in advancing these critical reforms, and we look forward to continuing the work of building a stronger, more just Georgia.”  

Georgia Hospital Association President and CEO Caylee Noggle said:  

“This is a historic day for Georgia patients, medical providers, and our hospitals, and we are proud to see this important tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. Today’s signing is the result of our legislators working together to ensure a fair and balanced legal system. These new laws will protect Georgians' access to high-quality and specialized care, strengthen our workforce, and ensure that doctors feel safe practicing in Georgia while preserving plaintiffs' access to the legal system. On behalf of our more than 150 member hospitals, we are grateful for these new laws that improve and preserve Georgia’s healthcare system.” 

Hunter Loggins, Georgia State Director for National Federation of Independent Businesses said:

“On behalf of thousands of Georgia small businesses, NFIB thanks Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly for standing up for Main Street businesses across the state. By passing Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 69, you delivered on your promise to stop lawsuit abuse. Together, these new laws are a big step forward for Georgia. They protect small businesses, help keep jobs in our communities, and make sure the legal system works for hard-working Georgians.” 

Seth Millican, President and CEO of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association said:  

“On behalf of Georgia’s 75,000+ truckers, we are grateful for the steady, thoughtful leadership of Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and Speaker Jon Burns for their relentless efforts to balance Georgia’s civil justice environment. 76% of Georgians are completely dependent on trucking to receive the goods they need, and this legislation will ensure a stable, productive economic environment where we can continue to serve Georgians.” 

Will Bentley, President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council said: 

“The Georgia Agribusiness Council applauds Governor Brian Kemp for signing Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law. These critical tort reform measures will bring fairness and balance back to our legal system. This is an important victory for the farmers and agribusinesses who form the backbone of our state’s economy. By addressing runaway litigation and liability abuses, Governor Kemp and the General Assembly have sent a strong message that Georgia stands with agriculture and rural communities. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to protecting those who feed, clothe, and fuel our nation.”

Kathy Kuzava, President Georgia Food Industry Association said:

“The Georgia Food Industry Association commends Governor Brian Kemp on the signing of meaningful and balanced lawsuit reform. Frivolous litigation, soaring insurance premiums and lack of coverage options have direct implications for every Georgia consumer.  Supermarkets across the state, from the single store independent grocer to the largest chain retailer, applaud Georgia’s leaders for passing the historic legislation, addressing an unsustainable burden on our industry.”

Ben Cowart, Vice President of Georgia Retailers said:

"Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers have taken decisive action to restore fairness and balance to our legal system. By signing this legislation, they are helping to reduce the risk of excessive jury verdicts, discourage frivolous lawsuits, attract new investment, and spur job creation across the state."