Committee hears lengthy debate on anti‑SLAPP measure; sponsors and critics seek more study

The Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee heard extended testimony on House Bill 223, a proposed anti‑SLAPP statute that would create a qualified‑immunity procedure for First Amendment activities, allow early dismissal of meritless suits, and provide a cause of action and fee recovery in Wyoming when a citizen is sued in another jurisdiction that lacks comparable protections.

Sponsor Representative Aument introduced the bill and said it was designed to protect residents' constitutional rights and to prevent abusive litigation that punishes speech through the cost and burden of lawsuits. "Strategic lawsuit against public participation or SLAPP suit is abusive litigation where a plaintiff brings a legally questionable claim in order to punish the defendant for exercising his or her First Amendment rights," Representative Aument said.

Attorney Jessie Rubino, who assisted the sponsor, told the…