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GA SB68

Bill

Status

Passed

4/21/2025

Primary Sponsor

John Kennedy

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Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Restricts attorneys from arguing specific monetary values for noneconomic damages (pain and suffering) until closing arguments, and only if rationally related to evidence presented at trial

  • Allows evidence of seat belt non-use in civil cases to establish negligence, comparative fault, or reduce damage awards in motor vehicle accident litigation

  • Creates new framework for negligent security claims requiring property owners to have actual knowledge of prior similar crimes on or within 500 yards of premises, and mandates fault apportionment to criminal third parties

  • Limits medical expense damages to "reasonable value of medically necessary care" and allows introduction of insurance payment amounts and letter of protection arrangements as evidence, partially abrogating the collateral source rule

  • Permits any party to elect bifurcated trials separating liability determination from damages phases in personal injury and wrongful death cases, with exceptions for cases under $150,000 or involving sexual offense victims

Legislative Description

Civil Practice; substantive and comprehensive revision of provisions regarding civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages, and liability in tort actions; provide

Last Action

Effective Date 2025-04-21

4/21/2025

Committee Referrals

Rules2/24/2025
Judiciary2/3/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available