What happened: Conservative, tax-cutting states are enacting comprehensive tort reform measures to reduce the threat of frivolous litigation, while blue states such as Illinois are encouraging litigation against businesses.

Tell me more: Georgia’s tort reform package addressed improper jury anchoring as well as “phantom” damage awards derived from inflated medical bills. Oklahoma followed Georgia with a $500,000 noneconomic damage cap for claims arising from bodily injuries, which increases to a $1,000,000 cap if the plaintiff suffered a permanent mental injury. 

• Notably, Florida’s 2023 tort reforms are lowering insurance rates and putting money back in the hands of Floridians. Florida’s top five auto writer insurance groups have lowered rates by an average of 6.5%, and a recent report from the Consumer Protection Coalition indicates a 30% drop in the amount of litigation since Florida passed its tort reforms. 
• Meanwhile, Illinois passed SB 328, requiring companies registered to do business in Illinois to consent to the state’s general jurisdiction. The Illinois Policy Institute explained that this law will subject businesses to liability in Illinois “even if the plaintiffs were not from Illinois and even if the harm did not occur in the state.”

TLR Thoughts: Conservative states are championing tort reform as a policy priority, and their citizens are reaping the benefits. TLR will continue to advocate for meaningful legislation that discourages abusive litigation while protecting the rights of injured Texans.

Read the full article here.