Sen. Kennedy on tort reform bill: 'It's for all of Georgia'

John F. Kennedy, Senator for Georgia, said that Senate Bill 68 is a measure designed to benefit all Georgians, citing the support of residents and stakeholders across the state. The statement was made during a Georgia Senate hearing on February 21.

"but I want to make sure we remember, it's for the folks that are in the gallery, it's the folks that are outside this chamber, it's for the hundreds of people that came to the press conference, and it's for all of Georgia," said F. Kennedy. "That's why we're working on this issue. That's why we need to pass Senate Bill 68."

According to the Georgia Senate Press Office, Senate Bill 68 aims to reform the state's tort laws by addressing issues such as "phantom damages" and "jury anchoring." The bill seeks to create a more balanced civil justice system by limiting inflated medical damage awards and preventing attorneys from suggesting unreasonably large sums to juries. Proponents argue that these reforms will reduce excessive litigation costs and promote fairness in the legal process.

The American Tort Reform Association reports that excessive tort costs in Georgia result in a $1,415 annual "tort tax" per resident, amounting to approximately $5,662 annually for a family of four. These costs have increased by more than 27% since 2021, leading to an estimated loss of 134,898 jobs across the state each year.

Senator Kennedy represents Georgia's 18th District and serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. With a background in law, Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for tort reform, emphasizing the need to address excessive litigation costs that he believes hinder economic progress and access to healthcare.

The Georgia State Senate is the upper chamber of the Georgia General Assembly, comprising 56 senators representing various districts. It plays a pivotal role in shaping state legislation, including laws related to civil justice and economic policy. The Senate's recent passage of Senate Bill 68 reflects ongoing efforts to reform the state's legal system and address concerns over litigation costs, according to LegiScan.