Bill
Bill > SB162
summary
Introduced
01/13/2021
01/13/2021
In Committee
01/13/2021
01/13/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2021
04/12/2021
Introduced Session
2021 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 the requirements for a defendant to be civilly liable for certain communications. It specifies that a lawsuit is not a SLAPP suit if it is brought in the public interest or on behalf of the general public, or if it involves a defendant primarily engaged in selling or leasing goods or services. The bill also requires a court to rule expeditiously on a motion to dismiss an alleged SLAPP suit, places the burden on the plaintiff to show the lawsuit has substantial justification, and allows for targeted discovery and the award of costs and attorneys' fees to the defendant if the suit is dismissed.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Hearing 2/02 at 1:00 p.m. (on 12/28/2020)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0162?ys=2021RS |
| BillText | http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0162f.pdf |
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