Senator Jason Anavitarte Introduces Legislation to Protect Trucking Companies From Abusive Lawsuits

Senate Majority Caucus Chairman, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) has introduced legislation to close a loophole in Georgia law that allowed trial attorneys to circumvent Georgia’s apportionment statute.

Known as the Trucking Opportunity Act of 2023, Senate Bill 203 repeals Georgia’s direct-action statues which allow personal injury attorneys to sue insurance companies at the same time they sue the motor carriers. This leads to higher settlements and frivolous claims which can put motor carriers out of business, driving up the cost of transporting goods, and creating a lawsuit tax that is ultimately paid by consumers.

“America is still in the middle of a supply chain crisis. That crisis is exacerbated by a shortage of truckers and motor carriers,” said Sen. Anavitarte.  The last thing this economy needs is trial lawyers getting rich on the backs of blue-collar truckers forced to pay higher insurance premium and settlements while making goods we buy more expensive.”

To address the shortage of truck drivers, Senator Anavitarte has also authored two resolutions: SR 155, creating a Senate Truck Driver Shortages Study Committee and SR 156, urging the Technical College System of Georgia to conduct a study of the workforce gap among licensed truck drivers and provide streamlined training for those wishing to enter the industry.

“The American Trucking Association estimates that the United States will need 1.2 million new truck drivers in the next 10 years to keep up with those leaving the profession and anticipated growth. If you like your shelves stocked and your packages to arrive on time, we must address this critical need in the economy,” added Sen. Anavitarte.

Read the full text of the legislation here:  

Senate Bill 203: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64503

Senate Resolution 155: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64432

Senate Resolution: 156: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64451

Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31 which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov