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Bill > HB0223


WY HB0223

Preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation.


summary

Introduced
01/20/2025
In Committee
02/18/2025
Crossed Over
02/12/2025
Passed
Dead
03/03/2025

Introduced Session

2025 General Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to civil procedure; providing immunity from lawsuits based on the constitutional rights of freedom of petition, expression or speech; specifying procedures and limitations for lawsuits based on public participation; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill introduces the Wyoming Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) Act, which aims to protect individuals' constitutional rights to free speech, petition, and expression by providing legal immunity from lawsuits that seek to suppress these rights. The Act allows individuals to quickly dismiss lawsuits that are deemed to be targeting their exercise of First Amendment rights by providing a streamlined legal process. Under this law, if someone is sued for expressing an opinion or participating in public discourse, they can file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and the court must determine whether the lawsuit lacks merit and is intended to silence public participation. If the motion is successful, the person sued will be entitled to have the case dismissed and can recover legal costs and attorney fees. The bill also provides additional protections, including the ability to bring a separate action if a strategic lawsuit is filed in another jurisdiction that does not recognize these protections. The Act defines "public concern" broadly and applies to various entities, including individuals, groups, associations, and corporations. The primary goal is to ensure that people can engage in robust public discussions without fear of being financially burdened by meritless lawsuits designed to silence them.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4 (on 03/03/2025)

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