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Governor Brian Kemp applauded the efforts of the Georgia State Senate after the chamber passed its tort reform bill – SB 68 – legislation that aims to “provide for [a] substantive and comprehensive revision of provisions regarding civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages, and liability in tort actions” among other legal revisions.

The bill passed by substitute with a tally of 33-21.

Gov. Kemp’s initiative to end tort costs for Georgia residents from a multitude of policy fixes, including seatbelt evidence admissibility, phantom damages, anchoring, third-party litigation financing, premises liability, double recovery of attorneys’ fees, bifurcated trials, plaintiff dismissal during trial, and motion to dismiss timing.

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The national legal reform advocacy group, Protecting Americans Consumers Together (PACT), has been calling on the State of Georgia to enact this sort of change regarding tort reform. Lauren Zelt, PACT’s Executive Director, spoke to Dome Politicsregarding the advocacy group’s mission concerning legal (especially “tort”) reform.

PACT Director Zelt mentioned that she hopes Georgia follows in Florida’s footsteps on tort reform to save Peach State residents money.

“What we’re hoping for at PACT is for Georgia to follow the lead that Florida set last year and pass lawsuit abuse reform into law this year so that regular Georgia families can feel the same financial relief that Florida families are feeling today,” said Zelt.