Burchett Pushes Tort Reform, Rural Infrastructure in June Legislative Efforts

By Carol A. Moore
Lanier County News

GEORGIA – Georgia State Rep. James Burchett, R-Waycross, remained a prominent force at the Capitol in June, championing key elements of Gov. Brian Kemp’s legislative agenda while continuing his leadership as House Majority Whip.

Burchett, who represents House District 176, which includes Atkinson, Lanier and parts of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties, played a pivotal role in advancing major tort reform and infrastructure legislation during the summer period following the General Assembly’s 2025 regular session.

In mid-June, Burchett sponsored and promoted Senate Bill 69, a measure aimed at reining in third-party litigation funding—a practice in which outside investors finance lawsuits in exchange for a cut of potential winnings. The bill, which passed both chambers and awaits the governor’s signature, requires litigation funders to register with the state and bans foreign entities from investing in Georgia civil litigation.

“Unregulated lawsuit financing invites abuse and increases costs for everyone,” Burchett said in a statement. “This bill is about bringing transparency and protecting Georgians from hidden profiteering in the courtroom.”

In parallel, Burchett co-sponsored House Bill 51, a bipartisan initiative that expands the authority of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to include natural gas infrastructure financing. The measure, which Gov. Kemp signed into law, allows GEFA to fund projects such as gas storage, compression, and distribution—key resources for rural energy expansion.

“This is a win for rural Georgia,” Burchett said. “Access to affordable and reliable natural gas infrastructure can make or break economic development in communities like ours.”

Though the General Assembly adjourned in March, many of the legislative victories led by Burchett during the session officially became law on July 1, including:

• The Fentanyl Eradication and Awareness Act (SB 79), cracking down on trafficking and overdose deaths,

• The Civil Justice Reform Act (SB 68), reducing so-called “phantom damages” in court cases and modifying fault rules,

• Broad income tax relief, set to lower burdens for middle-income families,

• Increased funding for school security upgrades,

• And expanded local control over rural transportation systems.

As Majority Whip, Burchett continues to help steer the Republican agenda in the House, managing vote counts and helping craft policy aligned with the governor’s platform.

Burchett, who has represented the district since winning a 2019 special election, has made economic development, public safety, and legal reform central to his work under the Gold Dome.

For more updates from Burchett’s office, visit laniercountynewsonline.com or follow official House press bulletins.