ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - After a state lawmaker said he lost his full-time job because he opposed Gov. Brian Kemp’s tort reform package, Vance Smith’s GOP and Democratic colleagues are rallying behind the former Harris County Chamber of Commerce executive.

Smith said he lost his job as CEO of the west Georgia county chamber because he voted against Senate Bill 68, a bill championed by Kemp and his legislative leaders that would make it harder to sue businesses for damages. That bill passed the Senate last week and is now headed to the governor’s desk.

On Tuesday, Smith (R-Pine Mountain) broke down while speaking to the state House.

“This is a family in here,” Smith said. “You won’t believe the calls and texts I’ve had.” His voice then broke, and state Reps. Al Williams (D-Midway), Teddy Reese (D-Columbus), Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), and James Burchett (R-Waycross) came to the podium to comfort him.

Later Tuesday, Burchett, who is the House Majority Caucus Whip and one of SB 68’s sponsors, condemned retaliations against lawmakers who opposed Kemp’s lawsuit reform package.

“Numerous members have suffered threats to their livelihoods and independence because of their votes on Senate Bill 68,” Burchett said. “These retaliations undermine the strengths of our citizen legislature, which depends on members voting their conscience after fully weighing the issues and determining what they think is best for their communities and our state.

“As a part-time legislature, the Georgia General Assembly relies on state senators and state representatives who hold full-time jobs in their communities, allowing them to support their families as they serve their neighbors,” Burchett said.

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) said SB 68 is designed to offer “common-sense solutions to protect the rights of Georgians who have been harmed while ensuring the scales of justice in our courtrooms are fair and balanced.”

Opponents of the bill also noted nothing in its language actually required insurance companies to lower their rates.

The bill was heavily supported by the business community, which said insurance premiums were rising so rapidly that some small businesses couldn’t afford to have them anymore.

Small business owners in the state said they’re frustrated with constantly having to pay huge settlements over lawsuits they feel are frivolous.

The last day of this year’s Georgia General Assembly is set for Friday, April 4, 2025.

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