Peach Tree Times

Georgia's leading small business advocacy group, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), has announced its decision to key-vote Senate Bill 68. This legislation is designed to address lawsuit abuse and strengthen protections for small businesses in the state. According to NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins, the state Senate could cast votes on the bill as early as today.

"Governor Kemp’s tort reform package is one of NFIB’s top priorities this session," stated Loggins. "By key-voting this bill, we’re making it clear to senators that small business owners overwhelmingly support this legislation. We’ll report every vote to our members, their constituents."

Senate Bill 68 proposes several changes aimed at aiding small businesses. These include capping pain and suffering damages in injury cases and limiting special damages for medical bills to amounts actually paid by plaintiffs. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that juries determine liability and award amounts separately while protecting property owners from being held liable for crimes they could not prevent.

"Our small business members believe that people should be able to seek damages if they’ve been wronged or injured," said Loggins. "The problem is that too many lawsuits exploit the system. Instead of holding the responsible party accountable, trial lawyers often go after the defendant with the deepest pockets—too often, that’s a small business."

Loggins emphasized that lawsuit abuse increases insurance costs and compels small business owners to redirect resources away from growth, hiring, and community support initiatives. "Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia’s economy," he remarked. "If the General Assembly wants to help local businesses thrive, it should pass this critical legislation."