TLR Weekly News Roundup: April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

Kemp Signs Tort Reform In Georgia, As Similar Proposal Passes In Texas (Forbes)

What happened: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed into law Senate Bills (SB) 68 and 69—comprehensive tort reform measures aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse.

Kemp Signs Tort Reform In Georgia, As Similar Proposal Passes In Texas (Forbes)

What happened: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed into law Senate Bills (SB) 68 and 69—comprehensive tort reform measures aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse. Meanwhile in Texas, similar reforms are advancing through SB 30 by Sen. Charles Schwertner and SB 39 by Sen. Brian Birdwell, each of which has passed the Texas Senate and awaits consideration in the Texas House. Read more

Tell me more: Both SB 30 and SB 39 are among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priority bills for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session. They are being shepherded through the House by Appropriations Chairman Greg Bonnen and Judiciary Chairman Jeff Leach.

Why it matters: A vast majority of Texans believe lawsuit abuse is a key factor driving up the price of goods and services and want their legislators to take action to fix the system.

A recent survey found that 86% of likely Texas voters support medical cost transparency in lawsuits, 79% say legal reform is critical to sustaining the state’s economic growth and 67% say lawsuit abuse drives up everyday costs.

TLR Thoughts: TLR applauds Gov. Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for delivering a comprehensive tort reform package that will restore balance to the state’s civil justice system. Texas has a vital opportunity this session to pass and enact meaningful reforms through SB 30 and SB 39 that will help stabilize insurance markets, rein in meritless lawsuits and preserve Texans’ access to the courts. TLR, alongside the Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA), is urging Texas lawmakers to act without delay.

Texas Ranked Best State For Business 21 Years In A Row (Office of the Texas Governor)

What happened: Texas has been ranked the Best State for Business for the 21st year in a row by Chief Executive magazine. Read more

Tell me more: Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law SB 14 (Texas DOGE) – the first piece of legislation enacted into Texas law this session. The bill passed with bipartisan supermajorities in both the Texas House and Texas Senate, and includes myriad reforms backed by the Coalition for Regulatory Efficiency and Reform, of which TLR is a proud member.

Critically, SB 14 will help modernize Texas’s regulatory system and support continued economic growth for Texas.
The law builds on the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council’s recommendations and will slash regulations, put stricter standards on new regulations that could be costly to businesses and ensure Texas remains the best state for businesses of all sizes.

In his own words: “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed. We will continue to cut red tape and partner with job-creating businesses and innovators to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for decades to come.” — Gov. Greg Abbott

TLR Thoughts: TLR applauds Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows and members of the Texas Senate and Texas House for their leadership and for taking swift action to reduce the regulatory burden on Texas.

Did you catch this?

Follow Us On

TLR's mission is to foster freedom, innovation and job creation by advocating for a fair, efficient and predictable civil justice system staffed by competent and independent judges who apply the constitution and laws as written.