'Lawmakers' Day 9: Kemp shares tort reform package, House Democrats legislative priorities

On Thursday at the Capitol, Gov. Brian Kemp revealed his much-anticipated top legislative priority.

The big news of the day was the unveiling of Kemp's tort reform legislation package. The legislation, which will be carried by Sen. John F. Kennedy, lays out rules for civil lawsuit proceedings.

The goal is to limit lawsuits and curb rising insurance costs and legal fees for businesses and consumers. Specific proposals include blocking foreign adversaries from funding lawsuits, limiting when a business can be sued for injuries that happen on their property, allowing juries to consider if someone was wearing a seatbelt in car accidents, and banning outsized jury awards.

“And our businesses and hard-working Georgians need relief from the increased cost of doing business, having car insurance or getting access to health care,” Kemp said. “I believe this package accomplishes those goals and strikes the right balance. It achieves meaningful tort reform this session as opposed to a second one later this year.”

Kemp says that the legislation could protect small businesses and that if it does not pass this year, he will call a special session to address the issue later this year. But several Democrats have already stated their opposition to the legislation.

“A plaintiff is a Georgian who has been harmed,” Minority Leader Harold Jones II (D-Augusta) said. “A plaintiff is somebody who has suffered catastrophic harm, in many cases. And today, what the governor was saying was, when we are talking about these plaintiffs, what they have suffered, what these Georgians have suffered does not mean as much because the insurance industry now has complained.”

Also, House Democrats laid out their legislative priorities, including fully funding public schools, gun safety and Medicaid expansion.

“House Democrats have a different vision for Georgia, one where working families have a chance to get ahead, not just get by,” Rep. Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville) said. “Georgia Democrats believe that everyone deserves the freedom to thrive by building communities that prioritize access to health care, education and economic opportunity. As Democrats, our top priority is to ensure that all Georgians, as a leader said, have what they need to live, learn and earn.”

In the House, members observed a moment of silence for the 63 victims of a tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.

“To join me in praying for these souls lost in this devastating incident, and for the families who now face unimaginable grief,” Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming) said. “To those members of our assembly, including our speaker in Washington, D.C., we're grateful for your safe return last night. Please be with all our nation's transportation partners that move our loved ones around this globe. We pray for them and the safety of its passengers is paramount for their mission.”

In the Senate, Sen. Elena Parent took a moment during her point of personal privilege to point out what she called hypocrisy by President Trump after he signed the Laken Riley Act in Washington, claiming to be cracking down on crime while also pardoning the Jan. 6 Capitol protesters.

“I'm not buying it that Trump cares about crime or about protecting Americans,” she said. “If he did, he would not be selectively punishing crimes that fit his political narrative while excusing violent offenders when they serve his personal interests. That is not justice. That is manipulation.”

The Senate then called it a day.

Young people put on their most fashionable black dresses and best suits as this year's debutantes and beaus made their annual visit to the Capitol.

The event gives "the next generation" of teenage leaders from DeKalb, Rockdale, Henry and Newton County students an opportunity to witness the legislative process and engage with legislators.

This year is the first time that young men — the beaus — have been included.

Also, a controversial bill that bans transgender girls from middle school, high school and college female sports passed out of committee.

Lawmakers reconvene on Monday for legislative Day 10.

GPB's Lawmakers returns on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at 7 p.m. Watch the previous week of Lawmakers here.