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Missouri Judiciary Committee hears SB 1067, bill aimed at speeding dismissal of meritless suits that silence speech
Summary
Supporters told the Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee that SB 1067, modeled on a Uniform Law Commission draft, would protect journalists and citizens from costly, meritless suits (so‑called SLAPPs) by allowing earlier judicial review and limited discovery; committee members asked about scope and court impact.
Senate Bill 1067, introduced to the Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee as a "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act," would create a faster judicial path to dismiss meritless lawsuits meant to silence speech, supporters told the committee.
Sen. Mike Henderson, the bill's sponsor, said the measure is based on language developed by the Uniform Law Commission and is intended "to protect Missourians from meritless lawsuits that aim to silence their First Amendment rights." He told the committee the bill would cover public‑concern speech, including posts on social media, and would let a defendant seek an immediate review of an anti‑SLAPP motion while requiring a plaintiff to show a viable claim early in the process.
Committee…
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