Much has been made about the Democrats opposing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s tort reform bill. Possibly, Senate Bill 68’s passage may result in a battle in the courts. However, there are members considering leaving the party. However, before those possibilities play out, the aftermath of this debate is sending aftershocks around the state.Reginald Greene Jr and Reginald Greene of Greene Legal Group lobby against Senate Bill 63 on March 20, 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)First and foremost, what aggrieved Democrats the most is they were told this bill would lower insurance rates. However, they believe the insurance industry continues to operate without oversight or accountability. Also, the Democratic Caucus asked their members to oppose the legislation. With that in mind, three Democrats, Representatives Michelle Au, Carl Gillard, and Mack Jackson voted for it. Thursday, State Rep. Stacey Evans, said, ‘too many of my colleagues were worried about walking down the hall and looking [the lobbyists] in the eye and not worried about the people back home.’“I’m disappointed in them,” Evans said. “This bill is bad for people. Not only did they break a caucus position, which undermines our ability as a caucus to move forward to the majority. But they let down their voters. I hope their voters will make them account for it. Just as I hope that the voters make Republicans who voted yes account for it.”“This entire bill was all supposed to be about reducing insurance costs for hard working Georgians,” said State Rep. Sam Park. “This bill will not accomplish that objective. All it will do is make it harder for victims who can file a case. “It will be harder for them to receive justice under under the civil justice system here in Georgia.”The Three Democrats are heavily scrutinized after the voteLargely, the Democratic Caucus felt betrayed by State Reps. Au, Gilliard and Jackson. It was the first time the House Caucus could provide a check on Governor Kemp’s agenda since 2019. Representative Michelle Au was called out by members of the Democratic Caucus after releasing a statement which explained her vote. She believed Senate Bill 68 addressed medical malpractice. “It is by no means a perfect bill. There are elements I object to,” Au said. “But on balance I think it protects our fair, equal access for all to our justice system while hopefully addressing the ways our litigation environment has become untenable for many.”Jackson told reporters he would consider leaving the Democratic Party altogether. He said members sharply criticized him after the vote. Jackson invoked Bull Connor and George Wallace because he felt others ‘bought me and my freedom to choose.’“You see, I’m very confused. Because when I came in here, I thought I was coming in to represent the people of District 128, I would be their voice in the Georgia General Assembly,” Jackson said. “Then one colleague asked me, ‘how much were you given? How much did they offer you?’ Well, I must be the dumbest person in here. I didn’t get anything. But I’m still wondering why people think that they can own other people.”Gillard did not offer any comments.Georgia State Representative and House Minority Caucus Chair, Tanya F. Miller, Esq., listens to debate regarding Senate Bill 63 on March 20, 2025 inside the House Chamber at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)Republicans also lampooned Gov. Kemp’s billNotably, Tyler Paul Smith, Chairman of the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, was one of the Republicans that voted against it. Joining Smith were fellow Republican State Reps. Buddy DeLoach, Noelle Kahaian, Trey Kelley, Danny Mathis, Jordan Ridley, Vance Smith, and Dale Washburn. “There’s no guarantee whatsoever that insurance companies are going to lower their rates,” said Georgia State Senator Colton Moore, who is self-described as President Donald Trump’s ‘floor leader’. “I think any good businessman in an insurance company, now that they’ve got this bailout, what are they going to do? They’re going to pocket that money, not return it back to their customers.”The verdict?Currently, Georgia law prohibits using race in setting car insurance rates. However,  companies are allowed to use ZIP codes. Companies factor elements such as crime rates, traffic patterns, and local accident statistics. In May 2023, Governor Kemp signed a bill giving Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King the ability to review all car insurance rate filings before they go into effect. Since then, the average annual cost of full auto coverage increased 20% in Georgia, higher than the nationwide percentage of 15%, according to Insurify. “After pushing this bill forward, the House is creating a study committee to investigate whether the insurance industry is keeping its promises,” said State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes. “The fact that such a committee is even necessary should tell you everything you need to know about how flawed this bill is.”The post Georgia Democrats express disappointment and outrage toward members supporting Gov. Kemp’s tort reform bill appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less