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South Dakota judiciary panel approves anti‑SLAPP bill after broad proponent testimony
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee amended and passed SB137a, a measure to create an expedited early‑dismissal process and fee‑shifting to protect speech on public matters; supporters ranged from local journalists to national public‑interest litigators who said the law prevents ‘suits as punishment.’
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to pass SB137a on Feb. 2, moving the anti‑SLAPP measure to the Senate consent calendar.
Sen. Amber Hulse, the bill’s sponsor, said the law would give courts an early tool to dismiss lawsuits filed to chill public participation and pause discovery while judges decide whether the suit targets protected speech. “This is pro‑First Amendment, pro citizen, pro common sense,” Hulse…
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