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House committee weighs anti-SLAPP bill to speed dismissal of meritless suits
Summary
Representative Hope and a Uniform Law Commission adviser told the House Judiciary Committee that HB 4045 would create an expedited process to dismiss strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) within 60 days and allow attorney fees and immediate appeal safeguards; multiple organizations filed support cards.
Representative Sarah Hope urged committee members to advance House Bill 4045, saying the bill would give people an early procedural tool to dismiss retaliatory suits brought to silence public participation.
"What they are is retaliatory suits that are aimed at silencing, intimidating, or punishing someone who speaks out on an issue of public interest," Representative Hope said, describing how a retired Michigan resident who posted questions about local government dealings faced costly litigation. "This legislation would allow a dismissal earlier on, so within 60 days of the lawsuit being filed," she said, adding that in…
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