⚖️ What Just Happened?
The Georgia House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 68, a tort reform measure designed to limit excessive lawsuits and restore balance in our court system. Supported by Governor Brian Kemp, this legislation aims to tackle skyrocketing insurance costs and create a more predictable legal environment for Georgia families and businesses alike.
We’re especially grateful that our local State Representative Trey Rhodes (District 124) voted in favor of this reform, standing up for the needs of Georgia families and small businesses. On the Senate side, Senator Lee Anderson (District 24) has also supported this measure, showing strong leadership for our district. 👏
🧾 What’s in SB 68?
SB 68 introduces a set of rule changes to Georgia’s civil justice system:
• Pain & Suffering Awards: Lawyers can no longer suggest specific dollar figures to juries—keeping damage awards reasonable and less emotional.
• Medical Bills: Only reasonable and necessary medical expenses can be claimed.
• Seatbelt Use: Can now be introduced in court as evidence to assign partial fault.
• Negligent Security: Property owners can only be held liable if they knew of the danger and failed to act.
• Split Trials: Judges can now split trials into phases: liability, damages, and punitive damages.
• Discovery Delay: A 90-day pause in legal discovery if a motion to dismiss is filed—giving defendants a chance to clear weak claims early.
• Legal Costs, Dismissals & Contract Disputes: Updates clarify when costs are reimbursed, and how lawsuits can be dropped or refiled.
🎯 Why It Matters to You
Simply put: excessive litigation = higher insurance premiums.
When large jury awards or frequent lawsuits occur, insurance carriers bake that risk into their pricing—meaning higher auto, home, and business insurance rates across the board.
SB 68 helps by:
• Reducing unpredictable lawsuit outcomes
• Lowering insurer payouts on frivolous or excessive claims
• Encouraging more insurance market competition
• Stabilizing (and potentially reducing) rates for Georgia consumers
⚠️ Concerns Raised
Opponents argue the bill could make it harder for some victims—particularly those injured due to crime or negligence on commercial property—to pursue justice. Advocacy groups pushed for broader victim protections, but some amendments were added to safeguard human trafficking victims.
The debate is ongoing, but one thing is clear: Georgia’s legal climate impacts every policyholder’s bottom line.
🏁 What’s Next?
The bill has now been returned to the Senate for final approval. If passed, Governor Kemp is expected to sign it into law, marking Georgia’s most substantial tort reform in nearly two decades.
🙌 R&R’s Perspective
At R&R Insurance Group, we’re committed to advocating for our clients’ best interests—and that includes fighting for fair insurance rates. We thank Rep. Trey Rhodes and Sen. Lee Anderson for standing behind this effort and supporting reforms that could make insurance more affordable and sustainable for Georgia families and business owners.
As always, we’ll keep you informed as this legislation progresses.
📞 Questions about how this could affect your rates or business policy?
Reach out to our team—we’re here to help.