Hopkinsville lawmaker files tort reform measure

by Tom Latek - Kentucky Today

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Sen. Craig Richardson, R-Hopkinsville, has filed Senate Bill 195, designed to modernize Kentucky’s civil litigation system, restore balance and codify clear ethical standards into state law, also referred to as tort reform.

SB 195 represents one of the final major policy initiatives for Kentucky’s GOP legislative supermajorities as they build on years of reforms that they say have strengthened the economy, improved education, lowered taxes, and made Kentucky more competitive for businesses, jobs, and health care access.

“Kentucky has made historic progress,” Richardson said. “We’ve delivered income tax reduction, education reform, right-to-work protections, and pro-growth policies that have helped bring opportunity to all communities across the commonwealth. Modernizing our legal liability system, while putting clear ethical rules into statute, is the next and necessary step to keep that momentum going.”

Kentucky’s current civil litigation framework is outdated and imbalanced, creating higher costs for families, businesses, and healthcare providers, according to Richardson. National rankings consistently place Kentucky near the bottom for legal responsibility climate. This reality drives up insurance premiums, increases healthcare costs, and discourages investment.

SB 195 establishes a package of smart, proven reforms that modernize Kentucky’s civil litigation system while fully protecting constitutional rights. The legislation also codifies clear ethical rules into law and ensures transparency, fairness, and consistency in how claims are brought, evaluated, and resolved.

“These reforms are about fairness,” Richardson said. “They protect the right to a jury trial, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure our system works for everyone: patients, consumers, families, small businesses, and health care providers.”

By reducing unnecessary litigation, improving predictability, and reinforcing ethical standards, SB 195 will help contain insurance costs, expand access to care, encourage competition, and strengthen Kentucky’s ability to attract and retain employers.

“Kentucky has worked too hard to lose the momentum we’ve built,” Richardson said. “This legislation helps finish the job and ensures our legal system works fairly for families, workers, patients, and businesses alike.”

SB 195 has not yet been assigned to a committee.