Burt Jones, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, said that tort reform is crucial for maintaining the state's pro-business environment and reducing hidden costs. This statement was made in a press release on January 31.
"We must foster a business-friendly climate," said Jones, according to Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. "My position on this important issue has always been the same. I look forward to working with those in the General Assembly to move these bills through the legislative process."
According to the press release, Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform package aims to create a balanced legal environment, eliminate foreign influence in lawsuits, and stabilize insurance costs. The plan has garnered support from state leaders such as Lt. Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy. Industry groups including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hospital Association, and Georgia Motor Trucking Association also back the initiative.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) reports that Georgia has been labeled a "Judicial Hellhole" since 2019, ranking fourth in the latest American Tort Reform Foundation report after previously holding the top spot for two years. The foundation credited Governor Kemp’s legal reform efforts for improving the state's ranking. Kemp’s nine-point tort reform package addresses issues like seatbelt evidence, phantom damages, anchoring, and third-party litigation funding (TPLF).
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TPLF is a multi-billion-dollar industry enabling hedge funds and foreign investors to finance lawsuits secretly in exchange for a portion of settlements or judgments. With $15.2 billion invested in U.S. commercial litigation, TPLF lacks transparency and may increase legal costs, extend litigation duration, and compromise justice.
Jones is Georgia’s 13th Lieutenant Governor and has a background as a businessman, former State Senator, and University of Georgia football captain. He expanded Jones Petroleum and founded JP Capital & Insurance while advocating for tax cuts, education improvements, and public safety initiatives.