NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins released the following statement today in response to the introduction Gov. Brian Kemp’s bill to stop lawsuit abuse in the Peach State:

“Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia’s economy, but many local businesses are struggling under the weight of excessive litigation costs. Governor Kemp’s tort reform plan would help Main Street businesses focus on growth, job creation, and serving their communities instead of wasting time and money fighting unfair lawsuits.”

Under the proposed reforms, small businesses would benefit from:

Lower Insurance Costs – Addressing excessive liability for criminal acts outside a business’s control will help reduce skyrocketing commercial property insurance premiums.

Fair Medical Damage Awards – Ensuring juries consider actual medical costs, rather than inflated numbers, will prevent businesses from facing excessive financial penalties.

Protection from Frivolous Lawsuits – Preventing attorneys from using misleading “anchoring” tactics to influence juries and limiting unwarranted case dismissals will create a more predictable legal environment.

Third-party Litigation Financing Reform – Regulating third-party lawsuit funding will protect businesses from bad-faith litigation financed by hidden investors, including foreign adversaries.

“These changes will create a fairer, more predictable legal landscape that allows small businesses to operate with confidence, reinvest in their businesses, and create jobs without fear of being shut down by baseless legal claims,” Loggins said. “That’s why our members are urging their legislators to vote ‘yes’ on this important and long-needed legislation.”