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HB1470 • 2025

Torts; abusive litigation based on alleged website access violations under federal and state law; create a cause of action

Torts; abusive litigation based on alleged website access violations under federal and state law; create a cause of action

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Kelley, Trey
Last action
2026-05-11
Official status
House Date Signed by Governor
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text confirms the creation of a cause of action but does not detail the specific factors for evaluation or the calculation method for damages.

HB1470: Law Against Abusive Website Access Lawsuits

This law creates a new legal way to sue if someone is unfairly sued over website access issues and gives the Attorney General power to investigate these cases.

What This Bill Does

  • Creates a cause of action for abusive lawsuits based on alleged website access violations under federal or state laws.
  • Provides factors courts must use to decide if a lawsuit about website access is abusive.
  • Establishes a rule that assumes the defendant acted correctly if they fix an issue after receiving notice, unless proven otherwise.
  • Allows victims of these lawsuits to receive money damages for their losses.
  • Gives the Attorney General authority to intervene in cases and demand evidence during investigations.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People or businesses sued over alleged website access violations who believe the lawsuit is abusive.
  • The Georgia Attorney General, who gains new powers to investigate these specific types of lawsuits.
  • Courts that must apply the new factors and presumptions when hearing cases about website access litigation.

Terms To Know

Cause of action
A legal reason or set of facts that allows a person to file a lawsuit in court.
Rebuttable presumption
A rule where the law assumes something is true unless someone provides evidence to prove it false.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official summary does not list the specific factors courts must use to evaluate abusive claims.
  • The exact amount of money damages available or how they are calculated is not detailed in the provided text.
  • The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-11 Georgia General Assembly

    House Date Signed by Governor

Official Summary Text

Torts; abusive litigation based on alleged website access violations under federal and state law; create a cause of action