Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders hosted the final roundtable discussion on civil litigation and its impact on the state’s economy. Joined by business and community leaders, the event was the final of three sessions to discuss the issue ahead of the upcoming 2025 legislative session. The event was held at the headquarters of Atlanta-based Waffle House and featured insight from 12 major employers on approaching the topic.
“As the No. 1 state for business for 11 consecutive years, we have always made it a priority to foster a pro-business environment that empowers job creators to create opportunity for the hardworking people of Georgia,” said Kemp. “The unfortunate reality is our current litigation climate has led to increased costs for consumers and a higher barrier to entry for those who want to create jobs in our state. As we prepare to address this issue, these listening sessions have allowed us to hear from a diverse group of stakeholders who have shared thoughtful input that will inform our next steps.”
The first two sessions featured small businesses and healthcare providers, sharing challenges resulting from ballooning lawsuits and civil litigation. Last session, the legislature passed the Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act, an effort to gather information for possible future legislation. Participants in all three sessions discussed the impact this climate creates, including rising insurance rates, increased costs and related impact on prices for consumers across the state.
“I want to thank Governor Kemp for hosting this series of policy roundtable discussions with stakeholders across the state,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “As we continue to gather facts and consider sensible measures to keep Georgia the number one place for business, we recognize there is still more work to be done in order to balance the scales in our courtrooms and level the playing field for every Georgian and our thriving business community.”
In 2019, Georgia was ranked 41st in the nation for its civil litigation climate by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform. The legislature has been chipping away at the issue, including the tort reform legislation this year, and passing the “Apex Doctrine” last year, which allows a court to limit the deposition of a high-ranking officer of a large corporation or government entity who has no unique knowledge of the relevant facts in a case.
“On behalf of Waffle House, I’d like to thank Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, Commissioner King and the members of the General Assembly for their commitment to addressing the current civil litigation crisis in Georgia,” said Joe Rogers III, CEO of Waffle House. “We look forward to working together on common sense reforms that will restore balance and level the playing field for all Georgians.”
