Bill > HB1466

This bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to provide a cause of action and immunity for "protected public expression." The key provisions include: 1. Establishing a cause of action for individuals who would have prevailed on the ground of "protected public expression immunity" in a previous lawsuit, but the court did not make a determination on immunity. This allows them to recover attorney fees, court costs, and potentially punitive damages. 2. Adding a new subchapter titled "Protected Public Expression" that defines "protected public expression" and grants immunity from civil liability for such expression under certain conditions. 3. Outlining procedures for filing a "special motion for dismissal or judgment" based on protected public expression immunity, including timelines, discovery exceptions, and rules for appeals. 4. Requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and Legislative Reference Bureau to take certain actions related to implementation and publication requirements. The overall intent of the bill is to encourage and protect participation in matters of public significance by providing legal recourse and immunity for "protected public expression."

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2023&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1466