A Busy Week: Judiciary, Budget, and Tort Reform in Georgia

Jan 31, 2025

Honoring the Past and Looking Ahead

This week at the State Capitol, we resumed legislative business following a winter storm that affected much of southern Georgia. While our work ramped up, we also took time to honor important moments in history. On Monday, we observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day by adopting House Resolution 50, reaffirming our commitment to remembering the millions of innocent lives lost. This year also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Governor Kemp’s Plan for Tort Reform in Georgia

Gov. Kemp's press conference on tort reform in Georgia

One of the most significant legislative initiatives this week was Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement of a comprehensive package for tort reform in Georgia. These reforms seek to bring greater fairness and transparency to our legal system while also stabilizing insurance costs for Georgia businesses and consumers.

Key elements of the plan include:

  • Reevaluating premises liability,
  • Requiring truthful evaluations of medical damages,
  • Permitting bifurcating of the trial,
  • Allowing a jury to know whether or not a plaintiff was wearing his or her seatbelt,
  • Eliminating double recovery of attorney’s fees, and
  • Prohibiting foreign adversaries from misusing our court system.

By implementing common-sense reforms, we can protect small businesses, attract more job opportunities, and ensure that Georgia remains a competitive place to live and work. If you’d like to read Governor Kemp’s press release, you’ll find it here. 

Governor Kemp emphasized that these reforms are not about limiting access to justice but about creating a balanced legal environment that benefits everyone. With these measures, we can ensure that businesses, medical professionals, and individuals are treated fairly under the law.

As a Marine, a former firefighter, a small business owner, and now your state representative, I understand the importance of protecting hardworking Georgians from unnecessary legal burdens. That’s why I support efforts to pass this much-needed tort reform in Georgia. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to get this done.

Chief Justice Boggs’ State of the Judiciary Address

On Tuesday, Chief Justice Michael Boggs delivered his annual State of the Judiciary address. He shared encouraging news that public confidence in Georgia’s courts is rising, with over half of Americans now viewing their state judicial systems favorably. Since 95% of all court cases nationwide are handled at the state level, this trust is critical.

The chief justice also spoke about the ongoing shortage of court reporters. The Judicial Council has developed a balanced proposal to allow trial judges to use digital recording systems for some proceedings, reducing delays and ensuring victims receive justice more quickly.

Another challenge he highlighted is the issue of “legal deserts” in rural Georgia. Right now, seven counties in our state lack a single licensed attorney, making it difficult for residents to access legal help. In response, the Supreme Court Study Committee on Legal Regulatory Reform is exploring solutions to expand legal services in these underserved areas.

Additionally, Chief Justice Boggs emphasized efforts to support veterans in the criminal justice system. Cobb County’s Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court has made great strides in reducing recidivism by providing mental health and substance abuse support. He also addressed the rise in threats against Georgia judges, calling for increased security measures and training to ensure the safety of our judicial officials.

These reforms and others like them are crucial to maintaining a strong judiciary in Georgia.

Advancing the Budget Process

As we continued our legislative work, House Appropriations Subcommittees met to review sections of the amended 2025 budget. Each subcommittee carefully examines Governor Kemp’s budget proposals before sending them to the full House Appropriations Committee. Once finalized, the budget bill moves through the legislative process and eventually goes to the governor’s desk. We anticipate the amended budget reaching the House floor during week 4 for a vote.

Additionally, full House committees began considering various bills assigned to them. After passing out of committee, bills go to the Rules Committee before being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. Once a bill clears the House, it moves to the Senate, where it may be amended. If changes are made, a conference committee works to reconcile differences. This process applies to all legislation, including tort reform in Georgia, which is a major issue this session.

Honoring Tragic Losses

To end our week, we stood for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the tragic mid-air collision that took place at Reagan Washington National Airport. Among the victims were two individuals with ties to Georgia: Sam Lilley, a graduate of Richmond Hill High School and Georgia Southern University, and Ryan O’Hara, a 2014 graduate of Parkview High School. The House mourns this profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families.

Looking Ahead

We will return to the Capitol on Monday, February 3, for the fourth week of the legislative session. As always, I will keep you updated on important developments, including progress on the budget and key policy initiatives like judicial improvements and legal reforms.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about legislation, I encourage you to reach out. You can contact me at 404-656-0152 or by email at [email protected]. You can also find answers to frequently asked question on my constituent services page. I would love to hear from you and talk about how we can continue making a difference for our community.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative. I am committed to working hard for the people of Georgia’s 30th House District.

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