Savannah Standard

The Georgia General Assembly's 2025 session is drawing to a close, with several priorities from the Savannah Area Chamber still under consideration. Notably, the Chamber's long-term goal has been realized with the passage of Governor Kemp's tort reform package.

Senate Bill 69 received final approval on Monday. This bill empowers the state to regulate third-party litigation financing, aiming to enhance transparency and safeguard consumers while curbing foreign investment in legal processes. Representative votes from the Savannah delegation showed support from Ron Stephens, Jesse Petrea, and Bill Hitchens, while Edna Jackson and Anne Allen Westbrook opposed the measure. Carl Gilliard was absent and excused from voting. Senate Delegation members Ben Watson, Derek Mallow, and Billy Hickman endorsed SB 69.

The approval of SB 69 follows a narrowly decided vote on Senate Bill 68, the first part of the Governor's tort reform agenda. The House passed the bill with a tight 91-82 vote, the exact number needed in the 180-member House. Party lines mostly dictated the outcome, though there were defections on both sides. Representative Carl Gilliard was among three Democrats to support the measure. Reps. Stephens, Petrea, and Hitchens voted in favor again, while Jackson and Westbrook continued their opposition.

Bert Brantley, Savannah Chamber President and CEO, applauded Rep. Gilliard, stating, “As he has consistently during his service in the legislature, Rep. Gilliard made himself available to hear from his constituents and voted in a way that he felt best served his community.”

The Chamber's Government Affairs Council has prioritized tort reform, expressing hopes for relief from escalating insurance rates and increased competition in the market. A report from Program Business points to stabilization in Florida's market following similar reforms.

Issues still under review this week involve a military retirement income tax exemption, clarified roles for homelessness councils, and changes to the Chatham Area Transit board. House Bill 579 has passed unanimously, aiming to simplify occupational licensing and ease workforce entry for Georgians.

House Bill 136 awaits final approval after amendments to enhance tax credits for child and dependent care, among other provisions. Additionally, workforce development bills such as House Bill 192 and House Bill 217 have been passed, focusing on aligning educational programs with workforce demands and extending the Dual Achievement Program.