Georgia has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding small businesses, protecting consumers, and ensuring a fairer legal environment for all. The passage of Senate Bills 68 and 69 marks a victory not just for small business owners, but for Georgia’s economy as a whole.
Taking on the trial lawyers was no easy task, but that’s exactly what Governor Brian Kemp, State Senator John Kennedy, and countless other lawmakers did. As the bill was gaining momentum, one Georgia trial lawyer even threatened to sue small business owners that spoke up in support of reforms. Remarks like those acutely highlight the need for reform.
Residential construction is a vital industry in Georgia as the state faces a housing affordability crisis. Home builders across the state – many of whom are small business owners – are committed to making sure every Georgian can realize the dream of home ownership. But one lawsuit, even if they were not at fault, can wipe them out of business through higher insurance premiums. The Home Builders Association of Georgia applauds these reforms, calling them a “monumental step toward reducing lawsuit abuse, lowering insurance costs and protecting hardworking Georgians.”
The Home Builders Association of Georgia was proud to stand with many other small business owners across the state, encouraging lawmakers to support tort reform.
For years, small businesses in Georgia have been drowning under the weight of frivolous lawsuits that drive up insurance premiums and divert vital resources away from innovation and growth. This issue has become a severe threat to the livelihood of many.
As highlighted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, SB 68 directly addresses the rising tide of lawsuit abuse that has negatively impacted small business owners across the state. These new laws offer critical protections that will make Georgia a more affordable and competitive place to do business. As Governor Kemp said in his press conference unveiling these reforms earlier this year, “grocery stores, hospitals, road pavers, small business owners, truckers, restaurants, mom-and-pop stores” are all facing threats to their livelihood as a result of lawsuit abuse.” Home builders are no different. These frivolous lawsuits are impacting our businesses and our ability to build houses and address the critical housing shortage in Georgia.
Georgia’s tort reform package is not just about reducing insurance premiums. It’s about ensuring that our courts can focus on justice rather than being bogged down by meritless claims. Notably, nothing in these bills prevents victims from accessing justice. Juries still have the independence to determine awards. Thank you, Governor Kemp, Senator Kennedy, and every lawmaker who worked tirelessly to pass these bills. You’ve given Georgia’s businesses, workers, and communities a fighting chance to thrive.
