Justice isn’t just a concept—it’s the very foundation of our society. It’s what ensures that when you or a loved one is injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have a fair chance to hold them accountable. But right now, that foundation is under attack in Georgia.

Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) isn’t just another piece of legislation. It’s a direct assault on the rights of Georgia residents, designed to make it harder for injured individuals to seek justice while padding the pockets of big insurance companies. If passed, this bill will have devastating consequences for victims of personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.

The Misinformation Behind SB 68

Governor Kemp has claimed that his “tort reform” package will “level the playing field,” reduce insurance costs, and make Georgia a better place to live. But here’s the truth—SB 68 does none of those things.

  • It won’t lower your insurance premiums. There is no data to support the claim that tort reform reduces costs for consumers. Instead, it ensures that insurance companies continue to post record-breaking profits.
  • It won’t stop frivolous lawsuits. Georgia already has laws in place to prevent meritless claims from moving forward.
  • It does, however, make it harder for injured Georgians to obtain justice. This bill strips away the legal and constitutional rights of citizens, making it easier for negligent businesses and corporations to dodge accountability.

The Devastating Impact of SB 68

  1. Limiting Your Right to Fair Compensation
  • SB 68 prohibits plaintiffs from asking a jury for a specific amount of pain and suffering damages—an unprecedented move that no other state has enacted.
  • This creates jury confusion. Jurors, left without guidance, may award inconsistent and inadequate damages, leaving victims without the resources they need to recover.
  • It directly benefits insurance companies by capping their financial responsibility and ensuring they pay out as little as possible to injured victims.
  1. Allowing Defendants to Stall Lawsuits Indefinitely
  • The bill introduces an “unlimited stay of discovery,” which means defendants can pause lawsuits simply by filing legal motions—whether they are legitimate or not.
  • This tactic forces plaintiffs into financial distress, prolonging cases and pressuring them into settling for far less than they deserve.
  • The courts will be flooded with frivolous motions, slowing down justice for everyone, not just personal injury victims.
  1. Making It Harder for Victims to Dismiss Cases When Necessary
  • Under current Georgia law, plaintiffs can dismiss a case if they cannot proceed (such as if a key witness is unavailable) and refile later. SB 68 makes this significantly harder.
  • If a plaintiff cannot proceed to trial due to an emergency (such as being hospitalized), this bill leaves them without recourse.
  • The bill does nothing to help defendants—it simply punishes plaintiffs who may need more time to prepare their case fairly.
  1. Reducing Accountability for Bad Actors
  • The bill limits attorney fees and litigation expenses, which weakens the ability of victims to hold wrongdoers accountable.
  • It protects insurance companies and large corporations by reducing the financial consequences of their negligence.
  • Businesses and insurers who act in bad faith would have fewer repercussions, making it harder for victims to receive the justice they deserve.
  1. Shifting the Blame onto Victims
  • One of the most egregious sections of SB 68 would require injured victims to prove they were wearing a seatbelt in a car crash—even if another driver caused the accident.
  • This takes the focus off the negligent party and puts the burden on the injured person to justify why they deserve compensation.
  • In cases involving children or passengers with no control over seatbelt use, this could lead to innocent victims being denied justice altogether.
  1. Protecting Irresponsible Property Owners
  • SB 68 makes it nearly impossible to hold landlords and property owners accountable for violent crimes and unsafe conditions on their property.
  • This bill shields slumlords and absentee property owners—many of whom are out-of-state or foreign investors—allowing them to avoid responsibility for crime-ridden housing complexes.
  • Victims of sexual assault, shootings, and violent attacks in unsafe apartment complexes would have little to no legal recourse under this bill.
  1. Punishing Responsible Georgians Who Carry Health Insurance
  • SB 68 would allow insurance companies to benefit from your private health insurance.
  • If you have Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance, you could receive less compensation than someone who doesn’t have health coverage.
  • This bill rewards irresponsible parties while punishing those who take financial responsibility for their health and well-being.

Who Wins? Insurance Companies. Who Loses? You.

Make no mistake—SB 68 is not about fairness. It’s about limiting the rights of Georgians to access the courts, reducing corporate liability, and increasing insurance company profits.

Big businesses and insurance companies are banking on everyday citizens not paying attention. But we see the truth—and now, we must act.

Now Is the Time to Fight

Georgia residents, this is our battle to win. The voices of big insurance companies are loud, but ours can be louder. We must act now.

Call your local representatives today and demand that they vote NO on SB 68. Tell them that Georgia deserves better. Tell them that justice is not for sale.

Visit the Georgia General Assembly’s website to find your representative and their contact information: https://www.legis.ga.gov/find-my-legislator

Spread the word. Share this message with your friends, family, and neighbors. Post on social media. Show up at town halls. Make your voice heard.

This is not just another bill. This is a fight for fairness, accountability, and the rights of every Georgian who may one day need justice.

Stand with Reid Law Group. Stand for justice. Say NO to SB 68.