On Sunday, May 6th, Governor Nathan Deal signed House Resolution 993 during a ceremony at the Georgia Chamber’s annual Spring Board Meeting. House Resolution 993 allows for the creation of a statewide business court through the enactment of a constitutional amendment. This measure follows the recommendations to improve current judicial practices and procedures by Governor Deal’s Court Reform Council.

Georgia Chamber President & CEO, Chris Clark expressed the importance of the referendum, “By removing complex, time-consuming business cases from the general docket, non-business cases will be resolved more efficiently, thereby benefiting businesses and citizens alike.”

Kade Cullefer, Executive Director of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, reiterated the need for the amendment, “In certain complex commercial lawsuits, cases linger for years without resolution behind criminal cases, divorce cases and land title cases. Endless litigation creates perpetual uncertainty and drives up costs for all parties. We have seen noteworthy success with local business courts in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties; however, the business court should be accessible to all Georgians. The creation of a business court with statewide jurisdiction will help to improve Georgia’s legal and business climate.”  

Georgia Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, David Raynor applauded the leadership of Governor Nathan Deal and Representative Chuck Efstration, “the establishment of a statewide business court is a long-awaited solution that will contribute to the improvement of quality of life and business climate. This constitutional amendment is a priority for the Georgia Chamber membership, and we would like to thank Governor Deal, Representative Chuck Efstration, members of the General Assembly, and the Court Reform Council for their hard work and dedication in keeping Georgia the #1 state in which to do business.”

“We can do things differently to make this a great state and the right way to go,” said Governor Deal during the bill signing ceremony. “I encourage your support in voting for the amendment.”

A statewide business court in Georgia would promote expedited resolution of complex commercial disputes, as well as enhance predictability, increase speed, improve case management, lower costs, and provide judicial expertise in complex commercial litigation. With neighboring states like North Carolina and South Carolina have such specialized courts, the establishment of a business court with statewide jurisdiction will enable Georgia to remain regionally competitive. While Georgia has been ranked the “Best State for Business” five years consecutively, a court dedicated solely to sophisticated commercial litigation will further improve Georgia’s business and legal climate by advancing the state’s ability to attract and retain businesses.