Bill

Bill > HB379


MD HB379

MD HB379
Courts - Civil Actions - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation


summary

Introduced
01/22/2020
In Committee
03/12/2020
Crossed Over
03/11/2020
Passed
Dead
03/18/2020

Introduced Session

2020 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Altering the conditions under which a lawsuit is considered a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP suit); specifying the conditions under which a lawsuit is not considered a SLAPP suit; altering the conditions under which a defendant in a SLAPP suit is not civilly liable for certain communications; requiring a court to rule expeditiously on a certain motion to dismiss an alleged SLAPP suit; providing for a plaintiff's burden and the award of certain fees in connection with a motion to dismiss; etc.

AI Summary

This bill alters the conditions under which a lawsuit is considered a "strategic lawsuit against public participation" (SLAPP suit) and specifies the circumstances in which a lawsuit is not considered a SLAPP suit. It also changes the conditions under which a defendant in a SLAPP suit is not civilly liable for certain communications, requires courts to rule expeditiously on motions to dismiss alleged SLAPP suits, and provides for a plaintiff's burden and the award of fees in connection with such motions. The bill also allows for appeals of rulings or failures to rule on motions to dismiss alleged SLAPP suits. The bill applies prospectively from its effective date of October 1, 2020.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Referred Judicial Proceedings (on 03/12/2020)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...