Committee narrows and advances anti‑SLAPP bill to cover sexual‑abuse disclosures

Representative Howard told the Judiciary Committee that House Bill 713 would close an exclusion in Act 72 of 2024 so people who speak about sexual abuse or violence can use anti‑SLAPP protections. "This bill does 1 very simple thing, eliminate the exclusion and extend the full protection," Howard said, adding she had heard from victim‑advocacy groups and survivors about legal risks when they speak out.

Counsel described amendment 02412 as removing proposed changes to the declaration of policy and the definition of "protected public expression," leaving the single change to delete the exclusion for abuse and violence disclosures. Chairman Kaufman opposed the amendment on the record, saying anti‑SLAPP laws were meant to protect public participation and not to govern emergency or ex parte protective‑order proceedings that rely on limited, sworn allegations.

The committee adopted amendment 02412 by a 14–12 vote, then voted 15–11 to report the bill as amended. Supporters framed the change as closing an access‑to‑justice gap for people who speak about abuse; opponents warned of potential shielded statements in sensitive family‑ or protective‑order contexts and said the topic requires careful drafting.

The bill record indicates an effective date 90 days after enactment for the remaining changes; sponsors and counsel said the amendment narrowed the measure to focus only on the abuse‑exclusion removal.