NFIB presented its Georgia Guardian of Small Business Award to state Sen. John Kennedy on Thursday in Macon.

The award was presented during a small-business roundtable hosted by NFIB and the Community Bankers Association of Georgia. Fresh Air Bar-B-Que is an NFIB member.

The Guardian of Small Business Award recognizes lawmakers who show outstanding leadership and support for small businesses. The NFIB Georgia Leadership Council, an advisory board made up of NFIB members, voted to honor Kennedy for sponsoring Senate Bills 68 and 69. Both laws help protect Georgia’s small businesses from abusive lawsuits.

SB 68 addresses two major legal concerns for small-business owners: phantom damages and premises liability. Phantom damages refer to the practice of seeking reimbursement for medical bills that were never actually paid. SB 68 allows juries to see the actual amount paid, not just the amount billed, so they can make better decisions about damages.

SB 69 takes aim at third-party litigation financing. This practice involves outside investors funding lawsuits in exchange for a share of any settlement. The new law requires these groups to register with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, bans them from influencing when or how a case is settled, and ensures jurors know who is funding the lawsuit.

“Georgia’s small businesses have waited a long time for meaningful lawsuit reform, and we’re very grateful to Sen. Kennedy for leading the way on these important changes,” NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins said. “These bills will help level the playing field, lower legal costs, and protect small-business owners from abusive lawsuits that hurt growth.”

“I’m proud to present this award to Sen. Kennedy on behalf of our members in Senate District 18 and across the state,” Loggins said.