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Anti‑SLAPP proposals draw competing bills and split testimony in Judiciary hearing
Summary
Members considered HB 391, an anti‑SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) bill; proponents argued it protects small critics from litigation abuse, while opponents warned it would create special privileges and tilt courts toward early fee awards for defendants invoking First Amendment‑based defenses.
The Judiciary Committee heard competing views on HB 391, a proposal to create procedures and remedies intended to deter strategic lawsuits against public participation — commonly called anti‑SLAPP proposals.
Representative Corcoran, the bill’s sponsor, framed the proposal as protection for smaller parties who face large lawsuits intended to intimidate and silence lawful speech or public participation. “When 1 side can afford to just use the courts to make another side give up, they can make it absolutely untenable for a small party,” Corcoran…
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