Bill > HB2633

This bill introduces significant changes to legal protections against strategic actions targeting public participation and provides a new mechanism for postconviction relief, primarily focused on protecting individuals from politically motivated legal actions. The bill expands the existing law on strategic actions against public participation by adding protections for religious liberty, political expression, and advocacy, and creates a new framework where individuals can challenge legal actions they believe are intended to suppress their constitutional rights. Specifically, it allows people to file motions to dismiss or obtain summary judgment in legal actions that appear to be designed to deter or retaliate against their exercise of free speech, political association, or religious liberty. The bill also establishes a new postconviction relief process for certain eligible petitioners, including current or former public officials, candidates, protest participants, and others who believe they were subject to a politically motivated criminal prosecution. If successful, such petitioners can have their convictions set aside and receive attorney fees. The legislation includes provisions for awarding costs and fees to moving parties, with special considerations for actions involving state actors, and explicitly states its intent to prevent the government from using legal processes to chill unpopular political or religious beliefs. The bill reflects legislative concerns about potential systemic unfairness in the justice system and aims to provide additional procedural protections for individuals who may be targeted for their political or religious views.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82477