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Anti-SLAPP bill gets support from free-speech and press groups in judiciary hearing
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Summary
Representatives and witnesses told the committee House Bill 2,666 would create a faster dismissal mechanism to protect public speech and petitioning; James Harris and press-industry witnesses urged adoption of uniform language used in other states.
Representative Ben Keithley presented House Bill 2,666, an anti-SLAPP bill that would create a dismissal mechanism to speed the resolution of lawsuits intended to chill public expression or petitioning of government. He described it as a targeted procedural remedy that would not strip courts of authority to hear legitimate defamation or other claims.
James Harris of the Institute for Free Speech testified the draft uses uniform-law language and noted many states have adopted similar procedures. "I think 36 states now have kind of updated their anti SLAPP laws," Harris told the committee, arguing the measure speeds a process to remove inappropriate claims without denying access to courts for meritorious suits.
Heath Clarkston, representing the Missouri Press Association and the Missouri Broadcasters Association, also spoke in favor, saying the press and broadcasters have long supported anti-SLAPP reforms to protect reporting and commentary from meritless suits that aim to silence speech.
Committee members asked clarifying questions; witnesses said the measure streamlines existing remedies rather than eliminating plaintiffs’ ability to seek redress. The committee concluded the hearing on HB 2,666 and adjourned the judiciary hearing for the day.
