blog home Premises Liability Georgia’s Senate Bill 68: Impact on Negligent Security Claims

Georgia’s Senate Bill 68: Impact on Negligent Security Claims

By Grant Law Office on May 12, 2025

In 2025, Georgia passed significant legal reforms that are already reshaping how crime victims can pursue justice before a jury.

Among the most talked-about changes is Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), which alters the legal landscape for negligent security claims (where someone is injured due to a property owner’s failure to provide reasonable protection from crime).

At Grant Law Office, we represent victims of violent crimes who suffer serious injuries due to unsafe properties, such as apartment complexes, nightclubs, parking lots, and hotels.

If you or someone you love has been hurt due to poor security in Atlanta, it’s important to understand how Georgia SB 68 may affect your rights.

What Is Georgia Senate Bill 68?

Senate Bill 68, passed in early 2025, was signed into law to address rising concerns among property owners and businesses regarding their liability in negligent security cases. These updates mark one of the most significant premises liability changes Georgia has seen in recent years.

While the bill was championed by retail and real estate lobbying groups, it has been widely criticized by victims’ rights advocates.

Key Provisions of SB 68

• New evidentiary standards: Plaintiffs must now provide proof of at least one “substantially similar” prior crime on or near the premises to establish foreseeability.
• Heightened burden of proof: Victims must show that the property owner “knew or should have known” of criminal risk and failed to take reasonable precautions.
• Statutory protections for small businesses: Certain businesses with fewer than 15 employees and no prior violent incidents may be shielded from liability.
• Presumption of reasonable security: Property owners can establish a rebuttable presumption of adequate security if they meet certain conditions (e.g., lights, cameras, secure entrances).

How SB 68 Affects Crime Victims Seeking Civil Justice

Before SB 68, crime victims could bring an Atlanta negligent security claim if they were attacked, assaulted, or otherwise harmed due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, regardless of whether the business had a documented crime history.

Now, however, limits on crime victim lawsuits make it harder to hold negligent property owners financially accountable. For example:

• If a woman is assaulted in a poorly lit apartment complex with no gate, she must now prove that a similar violent crime happened there before.
• If a man is mugged in a convenience store parking lot, he must show that the business knew about rising local crime and failed to act.

This creates additional hurdles for victims who may already be recovering from traumatic events. But at Grant Law Office, we believe these new standards shouldn’t be a barrier to justice, and we can fight to overcome them.

What Counts as Substantially Similar Crime?

One of the central questions under Georgia’s 2025 negligent security law is what counts as substantially similar. The jury may evaluate:

• Location: Was the prior crime at the same property, or within a reasonable distance?
• Nature: Was the prior incident violent, or similar in type (e.g., robbery vs. assault)?
• Timeframe: Did the previous crime happen recently enough to be considered relevant?

Our legal team conducts in-depth investigations into police reports, crime databases, and 911 calls to build a strong foundation of evidence supporting foreseeability, which is an essential element of your Atlanta injury lawsuit in the wake of SB 68.

The Reasonable Security Presumption

Under SB 68, property owners who implement specific security measures may receive a rebuttable presumption that they acted reasonably. This includes:

• Security cameras covering entrances and parking areas
• Adequate nighttime lighting
• Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
• Signage indicating security measures
• Regular security patrols

While these steps may reduce crime, they do not eliminate liability. We evaluate whether these measures were maintained, operational, and proportional to the level of crime in the area.

For example, a parking lot with broken cameras and burned-out lights would not be protected under the law’s presumption, even if security systems were technically installed.

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies under the new law, a consultation with an experienced Atlanta premises liability attorney is more important than ever.

Exceptions and Important Notes for Victims

Despite the new hurdles created by SB 68, you may have a valid negligent security claim in Georgia if:

• The property owner ignored repeated complaints or security concerns
• There were multiple crimes at or near the property within a short timeframe
• Key safety features (e.g., locks, lights, or cameras) were broken or missing
• You were an invitee or lawful visitor, not a trespasser

SB 68 does not change the statute of limitations. That means you still have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. But seeking prompt assistance is critical, especially with the new requirements for gathering detailed evidence and expert testimony.

Who Can Be Liable Under SB 68?

Many parties can still be liable under Georgia premises liability law, including:

• Apartment complex owners and managers
• Nightclubs, bars, and live venues
• Convenience store operators
• Shopping center and mall owners
• Parking garage management companies
• Hotels and motels

These property owners have a duty to protect guests and customers from foreseeable criminal acts. If they fail to meet that duty and you’re harmed as a result, you may still have a strong case. But it’s essential to find an Atlanta premises liability lawyer who understands how to navigate Georgia SB 68 negligent security standards.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured Due to Negligent Security in Atlanta

If you’ve been the victim of an assault, robbery, or other violent crime on someone else’s property in Atlanta, here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Seek medical attention and keep all records.
2. Report the incident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the report.
3. Document the scene, including photos of lighting, security features, entrances, and any visible hazards.
4. Identify any witnesses who saw what happened or can confirm security failures.
5. Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin building your claim.

At Grant Law Office, we work quickly to gather proof, preserve surveillance footage, and fight back against claims of adequate security that don’t hold up under legal scrutiny.

Talk to an Experienced Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyer Today

If you were injured due to property owner negligence in Georgia, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help you file a claim or lawsuit under the new legal requirements, building a strong case for compensation.

With more than 60 years of combined experience, our husband-and-wife team at Grant Law Office has earned a reputation for compassionate client care and relentless legal strategy. We’ve recovered millions for injury victims across Georgia and are ready to fight for you.

Wayne Grant has been selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers and is proud to be named among the top 5 percent of attorneys in Georgia by Super Lawyers.

Call us today at (404) 995-3955 to schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta negligent security attorney.