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Sen. Chuck Payne Applauds Signing of Comprehensive Tort Reform Legislation by Governor Kemp

ATLANTA (April 22, 2025)—Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, marking a major step forward in Georgia’s ongoing effort to strengthen its civil justice system and protect consumers from abusive litigation practices. Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) carried the bills in the Senate on behalf of Governor Kemp, who named tort reform his top legislative priority for the 2025 session.

SB 68 enacts comprehensive tort reform, including changes to negligent security liability, apportionment of fault, and damages in civil cases, to curb “nuclear verdicts” and reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits on small businesses. Complementing this effort, SB 69, the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, targets the growing influence of Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) by requiring these entities to register with the state, banning foreign-affiliated financiers from operating in Georgia, and increasing public transparency through open access to registration records.

“For Dalton and Whitfield County, where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life, these reforms mean stability, opportunity and continued investment in our community,” said Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton). “Together, Senate Bills 68 and 69 reinforce Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 state for business by creating a predictable, transparent legal environment that supports job growth. I am proud to have cosponsored these pieces of legislation, and I am thankful for the support of Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy in getting these measures across the finish line.”

For more information about Senate Bill 68, click here. For more information about Senate Bill 69, click here.

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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County as well as part of Gordon County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at Chuck.Payne@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks Honors Michael S. ‘Killer Mike’ Render with Senate Resolution

ATLANTA (April 10, 2025) — On April 4, Sen. Kenya Wicks, (D–Fayette), presented a resolution recognizing and commending Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur and Atlanta native Michael S. ‘Killer Mike’ Render for his music career, political advocacy and work supporting historically marginalized communities in Georgia.

In the resolution, Wicks highlighted Greenwood, a Black-owned digital banking platform co-founded by Render. The platform aims to address economic disparities and expand financial opportunities in underserved areas. She also commended Render’s long-standing advocacy for criminal justice and prison reform, voting rights, and police accountability.

“Killer Mike has profoundly impacted Atlanta not only through music but also through philanthropy and community service,” said Sen. Wicks. “His legacy in business, public service and the music industry is a prime example of the talent Atlanta has to offer. His work will leave a lasting impact on communities across our city and state. His passion for education, the arts and the city of Atlanta reflects the best of Georgia, and I was proud to recognize him on Atlanta Day.”

Sen. Wicks presented the resolution to Killer Mike during the “404 Day” or “Atlanta Day” celebration at the Georgia Capitol. The event honors the spirit and legacy of Georgia’s capital city by welcoming Atlanta natives and representatives from prominent local organizations.

The full resolution can be found here.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks represents the 34th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She may be reached by email at Kenya.Wicks@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Ed Setzler to Hold Press Conference on Religious Freedom Restoration Act

ATLANTA (March 31, 2025) — Tomorrow, April 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Senator Ed Setzler (R–Acworth) will host a press conference to discuss SB 36, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, with members of the news media.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: South Steps, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
  • This event is open to the public.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Ed Setzler represents the 37th Senate District, which includes parts of Cobb and Bartow County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0256 or by email at ed.setzler@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Nikki Merritt to Hold Grayson Delegation Town Hall Meeting

ATLANTA, GA (March 26, 2025) — Today, Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson) will host a Grayson Delegation town hall meeting alongside Rep. Segun Adeyina (D–Grayson) and Rep. Gabe Okoye (D–Lawrenceville) to discuss legislative updates from the session so far and community concerns with constituents.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Grayson Senior Center, 475 Grayson Parkway, Grayson, GA 30017
  • This event is open to the public.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

Please RSVP to info@segunforgeorgia.com.

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Sen. Nikki Merritt represents the 9th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at 404.463.2260 or via email at nikki.merritt@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Kenya Wicks Celebrates Passage of Senate Bill 236

ATLANTA (March 12, 2025) — On March 6, 2025, Sen. Kenya Wicks (D–Fayette) passed her first bill, Senate Bill 236, the “Quality Basic Education Act,” on the Senate floor. This bill will allow active-duty military parents with relocation orders to enroll their students in schools within their intended school district of residence before their official physical residency begins.

“I am pleased my first bill was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support,” said Sen. Wicks. “As a military parent whose family served on multiple bases, I understand the burden parents, military children and schools face when families move. Waiting for school calendars, military orders and official residency documentation to align can lead to late enrollment and students unnecessarily falling behind. SB 236 will tackle this issue, ease burdens for service families and allow students to start at their new schools when the timing works best for the family and student.”

SB 236 amends the “Quality Basic Education Act” and aims to ensure school enrollment for children of active-duty service members who have received military orders to transfer bases to Georgia. Students will be eligible for enrollment regardless of whether their parents have signed a lease, bought a house or established a physical residency in that school’s attendance zone.

You can find more information about the legislation here.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks represents the 34th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She may be reached by email at Kenya.Wicks@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.