Oregon committee reviews SB 180 to enhance anti SLAPP law protections for survivors

The Oregon House Committee on Judiciary convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss significant legislative changes aimed at strengthening protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). Central to the meeting was Senate Bill 180 (SB 180), which seeks to close existing gaps in Oregon's anti-SLAPP law, particularly concerning statements made by survivors of abuse.

Advocates for SB 180 highlighted that the current law only protects statements made to government bodies or those deemed to be of public interest in public spaces. The proposed amendment would expand these protections, allowing survivors to dismiss lawsuits that target them for speaking out. This change aligns Oregon with other states, such as California and New York, which have already enacted similar laws to shield survivors from abusive litigation.

During the meeting, committee members discussed the procedural aspects of the proposed law. If enacted, defendants would have the opportunity to file a motion to dismiss a lawsuit under the anti-SLAPP procedure shortly after being served. This motion would pause all proceedings, preventing any discovery or depositions from occurring while the court considers the case's merits.

The discussion also covered the burden of proof in these cases. Initially, the defendant must demonstrate that their statement qualifies for protection under the new law. If successful, the burden then shifts to the plaintiff to prove that the statement was made with malice or does not pertain to the protected categories.

The committee's deliberations underscored the importance of this legislation in providing a safer environment for survivors to share their experiences without the fear of retaliatory lawsuits. As the committee prepares to issue its report on SB 180, the outcome could significantly impact the legal landscape for survivors in Oregon.