Governor Brian Kemp’s tort reform plan isn’t about protecting small businesses—it’s about shielding big corporations and insurance companies from accountability.
Supporters claim these changes will lower insurance costs for doctors, truckers, and business owners. But here’s the truth: there’s no evidence that restricting lawsuits actually reduces premiums. What it will do? Make it harder for everyday Georgians to seek justice when they’ve been wronged.
Who Really Wins? (Hint: Not You)
Take a look at the Georgia Capitol right now—corporate lobbyists are everywhere. Trucking companies, hospital executives, and big-box retailers are lining up for special carve-outs in this bill.
And to push this agenda, Kemp’s Georgians First Leadership PAC is spending millions on ads and mailers to pressure lawmakers. Those who don’t fall in line? He’s already threatening a summer special session to force it through.
What’s in Kemp’s Tort Reform Package?
This proposal stacks the deck in favor of corporations, making it harder for individuals to hold them accountable. Key provisions include:
Caps on damages – Limits how much a person can receive if they’re seriously injured due to corporate negligence, even if a jury believes they deserve more.
Limits on attorney fees – Makes it harder for lawyers to take on powerful businesses, meaning fewer everyday Georgians will get legal representation.
Funding disclosures – Creates obstacles for individuals seeking financial backing to fight massive corporations in court.
Courtroom rule changes – Alters legal procedures in ways that overwhelmingly benefit big business over regular people.
The Insurance Industry’s Empty Promises
Kemp claims this will lower insurance rates—but even Georgia’s own Insurance Commissioner admits there’s no guarantee that will happen.
Other states that passed similar laws saw:
Insurance rates continue to rise
Corporations pay out fewer settlements while keeping more profits
If this was really about helping Georgians, why won’t insurance companies commit to lowering rates? Spoiler alert: because they don’t have to.
Lawmakers Aren’t Fully on Board
Unlike many political issues, tort reform isn’t dividing lawmakers strictly along party lines. Some Republicans and Democrats aren’t convinced this bill benefits regular people.
State Sen. Blake Tillery (R) has expressed skepticism. Rep. Michelle Au (D), a doctor, understands malpractice concerns but knows this isn’t the solution. State Sen. Josh McLaurin (D) calls the bill what it really is: a massive insurance industry giveaway.
Even with millions spent on corporate lobbying, some lawmakers are standing up against this attack on consumer rights.
The Bottom Line
Tort reform isn’t about helping small businesses or reducing insurance rates—it’s a corporate power grab.
The real winners? Insurance companies, big business, and their lobbyists.
The real losers? Everyday Georgians who need access to justice.
If Georgia truly wants to lower insurance costs, the solution isn’t limiting people’s rights to sue—it’s insurance reform, not corporate handouts.
How You Can Take Action
Call your legislators – Tell them to vote NO on Kemp’s tort reform package.
Support leaders who fight for consumers – Not corporate interests.
Share this post – The more people know, the harder it is for lawmakers to pass bad bills in the shadows.
What Do You Think?
Have you or someone you know struggled to get justice after an accident or corporate negligence? What are your thoughts on this bill?
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