Georgia hearing on SB 68 pits crime victims and housing/business interests over negligent-security changes

The House Rules Subcommittee on Lawsuit Reform held a marathon public hearing March 11 on section 6 of Senate Bill 68, the measure that would reshape negligent-security law and the civil claims victims can bring when a third party commits a crime on commercial or residential premises. Subcommittee chair Rob opened the panel by saying the hearing would focus on “section 6 of Senate Bill 68.”

Supporters of SB 68, including corporate and retail representatives, told the committee the current case law lacks a clear standard and has driven insurance carriers from parts of the Georgia market. John Favier, vice president of security for Waffle House, said rising costs force companies to self-insure more of their risk and that in recent years Waffle House’s insurance costs have risen far faster than its expansion. ‘‘The cost of risk at Waffle House has gone up dramatically,’’ he said, adding that 20% of Waffle House restaurants are in Georgia but 83% of the company’s legal costs are incurred there. Convenience-store and franchise owners reported large premium increases and fewer available carriers in renewal markets; a McDonald’s franchisee said the pool of carriers quoting his multiunit risk dropped from six in 2022 to three in 2025, and his renewal this year rose about 85% over 2024.

Opponents — including survivors of sexual assault, trafficking and…