In a recent column published in Dome Politics, Hunter Loggins, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), addressed the impact of tort reforms in Georgia and their significance for small businesses.
Loggins wrote, “Georgia has earned its reputation as a place where families can start a business, grow a career, and raise their children with confidence in the future.”
He continued by highlighting that such an environment is not accidental. According to Loggins, “As state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), I hear from small business owners every day about how our state’s thoughtful policy choices are keeping our economy competitive, our communities strong, and our systems fair.”
The recent tort reforms enacted in Georgia aim to reduce what NFIB characterizes as lawsuit abuse. Loggins stated these reforms are intended to lower costs for residents and create a more stable legal environment while maintaining access to justice. He noted that before these changes, Georgia experienced a sharp rise in lawsuits—particularly in Atlanta—with approximately 43,000 lawsuits filed in 2024 alone. This figure represented a significant increase compared to previous years.
Loggins argued that frivolous lawsuits had become common and were affecting both businesses and taxpayers across the state. He observed positive trends since the implementation of reforms: “Businesses across the state are already seeing a shift toward a more balanced environment that discourages opportunistic litigation and helps employers focus on serving customers, investing in workers, and expanding in Georgia.”
He also explained the broader effects of abusive litigation: “The truth is that when abusive litigation runs rampant, everybody pays. It shows up in higher insurance premiums for families, higher costs for small businesses, and tighter budgets for farmers, contractors, and community institutions that can’t afford constant legal exposure.” According to Loggins, these expenses eventually affect prices of goods and services as well as employment decisions.
“For too long,” he wrote, “lawsuit abuse has functioned like a hidden tax on Georgians. When meritless or inflated claims multiply, insurance costs rise. When claims become a business model rather than a path to justice, the system drifts away from its purpose.”
Loggins emphasized that the goal of reform is balance: “They are about restoring balance and reinforcing common-sense standards. They reduce excessive and abusive litigation while preserving access to justice for those who have real injuries and real claims.”
He concluded by stating: “A fair legal climate must protect consumers and honest businesses alike. It should encourage accountability when harm occurs but also deter predatory practices that exploit the system and drive up costs for everyone else.” He added that supporting policies promoting fairness benefits all Georgians.
The National Federation of Independent Business – Georgia plays an active role in advocating for small business interests throughout the state by conducting surveys on economic conditions and workforce development initiatives (official website). The organization also promotes tax relief measures and regulatory transparency while engaging members through events such as webinars and newsletters (official website). Additionally, NFIB – Georgia endorses candidates supportive of small business priorities (official website).
Hunter Loggins serves as State Director for NFIB—described as “the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization.”
