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Georgia Senate Agrees to House Substitute on Broad Tort-Reform Measure After Heated Debate
Summary
After hours of debate and a failed amendment to expand carve-outs for child and elderly victims, the Georgia Senate voted to agree to the House substitute for Senate Bill 68, a comprehensive tort-reform package changing civil-practice rules, damages testimony and premises-liability standards.
The Georgia State Senate on Friday approved the House substitute to Senate Bill 68, a wide-ranging tort-reform measure that revises rules on civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages and certain premises-liability claims.
Senate proponents said the bill will rebalance Georgia's civil justice system and reduce litigation-related costs for businesses and insurers; opponents said the measure would make it harder for many victims to obtain justice.
Senator Kennedy (18th District), the bill sponsor, told colleagues the substitute incorporates months of work between the governor's office, the House and Senate committees, and outside stakeholders and “strikes that needed balance.” The sponsor outlined changes the House made on timing for damage arguments, voluntary-dismissal timing, seat-belt evidence and bifurcation procedures.
Opponents repeatedly warned the bill would…
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