The dust settles from Crossover Day and understanding Brian Kemp’s legal overhaul
Today’s episode of the AJC’s “Politically Georgia” podcast features an in-depth explanation of Gov. Brian Kemp’s overhaul of Georgia’s civil litigation laws.
But first, as the dust from Crossover Day settles, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy have the latest from the Gold Dome.
The hosts discuss the legislation that’s effectively dead for the session, including bills on sports betting, DEI and ending tax on tips.
On civil litigation, Kemp has argued that frivolous lawsuits and giant jury awards have driven up prices for consumers and led to higher insurance premiums.
He wants to limit those lawsuits by placing restrictions on when people can sue businesses for some injuries and ban outside interests from funding the lawsuits.
Opponents, however, consider this a giveaway.
“This is a payback for the insurance companies to make sure that they’re successful,” said Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Powder Springs. “They have record profits, so I don’t even see it as tort reform. I see it as kind of a handout to the insurance industry.”
New episodes of the “Politically Georgia” podcast are available every week wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any other podcast platform. You can also ask your smart speaker to “play the Politically Georgia podcast.”
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On the next episode: It’s Washington Wednesday. Hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy talk with PunchBowl News senior congressional reporter Andrew Desiderio about the threat of a government shutdown.
About the Author
Natalie Mendenhall is an award-winning producer for the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She also steps in front of the mic, creating compelling segments for the show. Before joining the AJC, the Chicago native worked as a senior producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting.
