U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform says Georgia is first legal reform success of 2025

The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform has announced that Georgia has enacted landmark legislation to reform its legal system and increase transparency in litigation funding, according to a public statement from the group.

On April 21, 2025, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, marking a significant overhaul of the state's civil litigation framework. These reforms aim to address concerns over excessive litigation and lack of transparency in third-party funding practices. According to the Institute for Legal Reform, these measures are designed to create a more balanced and equitable legal environment for individuals and businesses across the state.

Senate Bill 68 introduces comprehensive tort reform measures, including limiting negligent security liability to factors businesses can directly control, ensuring truth in damages by eliminating phantom damages, and allowing trials to be bifurcated into liability and damages phases. Additionally, the bill permits the admission of seatbelt evidence in auto accident cases and prevents the recovery of double attorney’s fees. These provisions are intended to balance court proceedings and reduce litigation abuse.

Senate Bill 69 focuses on increasing transparency in third-party litigation funding by banning foreign funders from engaging in U.S. litigation through Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) agreements and prohibiting litigation financiers from controlling litigation. It also prevents funders from recovering more than the plaintiffs and makes funders jointly and severally liable for costs or sanctions for loans. The bill allows for discovery of the existence and terms of agreements for funding over $25,000, with willful violations considered a felony.

The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform is a national advocacy organization affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It works to improve the fairness and efficiency of the U.S. legal system through legislative initiatives and policy recommendations supporting economic growth and legal accountability.