Last Tuesday, my colleagues and I returned to the Gold Dome, ready to continue working for the people of the 30th House District. With just two weeks left in this year’s session, we are focused on passing laws that will have a real impact on our communities. One of the biggest topics last week was Georgia tort reform. Let’s take a closer look at what we accomplished.
Moving Forward with Georgia Tort Reform
Georgia tort reform has been a major issue this session, and last week, the House passed Senate Bill 68. This bill makes important updates to Georgia’s civil law, especially regarding motor vehicle and tort laws. It addresses how attorney’s fees are recovered, updates seatbelt evidence rules, and changes how medical expense damages are calculated.
A few key points about SB 68:
- Stronger Limits on Noneconomic Damage Arguments: Attorneys representing plaintiffs will not be allowed to introduce noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, during their closing statements unless those damages were clearly outlined in their opening argument. This change is intended to make sure jurors are given consistent and well-supported arguments throughout the trial.
- Revised Rules for Negligent Security Claims: Property owners and business operators would only be held legally responsible for security-related injuries if there is clear, convincing, and substantial evidence showing that similar wrongful acts have happened before at the same location. Additionally, the property owner must have had actual knowledge of these prior incidents for liability to apply.
- Bifurcated Trials for Certain Civil Cases: In some lawsuits, courts will be allowed to split trials into two separate phases—one focused on determining liability and another focused on awarding damages. This approach is meant to promote fairness by ensuring that damages are only discussed after responsibility for the harm has been established.
- Enforcing Strict Deadlines for Dismissal Rulings: Courts handling civil cases will now be required to rule on motions to dismiss within a firm deadline of 90 days from the conclusion of the briefing period. If a court does not issue a decision within this timeframe, involved parties will have the right to seek modifications or request the case be dismissed through legal motions.
- Expanded Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors: In lawsuits involving allegations of sexual assault or some other forms of misconduct, courts will have the authority to reject bifurcated trials. If requiring a victim to testify twice could cause them unnecessary emotional or psychological distress, a judge may make the decision not to bifurcate. This provision also applies in cases where the financial damages in dispute are below $150,000, helping to simplify legal proceedings for affected individuals.
The Senate has approved our House changes, and now SB 68 heads to Governor Kemp’s desk for final approval. If signed into law, this bill will bring significant changes to Georgia’s legal system, helping balance fairness for businesses and individuals alike.
Protecting Workers with the Dignity in Pay Act
Another major bill we passed was the Dignity in Pay Act (SB 55). Right now, some businesses can legally pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. This bill would end that practice by:
- Stopping Georgia from granting exemptions to minimum wage laws for workers with disabilities.
- Phasing out subminimum wages by July 1, 2027.
- Making sure every worker, regardless of disability, gets fair compensation.
This bill moves Georgia toward greater equality in employment, because when everyone is treated fairly our workforce is stronger. Now, it awaits the governor’s signature.
Standing Up for Georgia’s Service Members
As a Marine, I take our service members’ rights seriously. That’s why I supported Senate Bill 109, which protects Georgia’s active-duty military members from unfair life insurance exclusions.
Many life insurance policies exclude coverage for active-duty members by defining their status as an “act of war.” SB 109 clarifies that simply being on active duty is not enough to deny a claim. For example:
- If a service member dies in a car accident while on leave, their family should receive benefits.
- If the death is directly caused by combat or war-related hazards, insurers can still limit liability.
This bill passed with strong bipartisan support and is now on its way to the governor. Our men and women in uniform deserve this protection, and I’m proud to stand up for them.
Improving Emergency Organ Transport in Georgia
When lives are on the line, every second counts. Senate Bill 58, the Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act, will help make sure donated organs and transplant teams get where they need to be—fast.
This bill does two key things:
- Officially designates emergency organ transport vehicles as ambulance services.
- Allows these vehicles to use emergency lights and sirens to speed up delivery.
By making these vehicles part of our emergency response system, we can help save more lives. SB 58 is now on the governor’s desk, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.
Other Bills We Passed Last Week
Other bills passed by the House last week include:
- SB 6 – Allows law enforcement to use drug analysis equipment to check if substances have been tampered with.
- SB 13 – Expands GEFA loans for infrastructure improvements to include natural gas. It also would allow loans to move some power lines underground.
- SB 154 – Updates state law to reflect changes in federal education programs and student aid applications.
Looking Ahead
With only a few days left in the session, we are working hard to get key legislation across the finish line. Next week, we return to the Capitol for the 11th week of the 2025 session. I encourage you to stay engaged and follow the legislation that affects our community. You can find committee schedules, bill updates, and live streams on the Georgia General Assembly’s website. Also, please visit my constituent services page for answers to FAQs.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative. It’s an honor to fight for the people of the 30th House District. Let’s finish this session strong!