ATLANTA — Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's political organization took to social media to tout his success in limiting lawsuits in a way Georgians could understand. “Thank you" its ad proclaimed, with the words blocked in the yellow-and-black all-caps style of Waffle House's iconic sign.

Brian Kemp signed two tort reform bills Monday that supporters say should reverse a pattern of excessive jury awards they hold responsible for rising liability insurance premiums that are hurting Georgia businesses’ bottom lines.