Bill > A06626

This bill amends New York's Civil Rights Law to provide clearer protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), which are legal actions designed to intimidate or silence individuals exercising their free speech rights. The bill defines a SLAPP as a lawsuit involving public participation that lacks a substantial basis in fact or law, and introduces a heightened legal standard for what constitutes a "substantial basis" in such cases. It strengthens defendants' rights by allowing them to more easily recover damages, attorney's fees, and costs when they prevail in such actions, particularly if the original lawsuit was filed with the purpose of harassing or intimidating the defendant. The bill also broadens the definition of "public interest" to include a wide range of topics of community, political, social, or news-related concern. Additionally, the bill makes the law applicable to both existing and new legal proceedings, providing retroactive protection for individuals who may have been subject to SLAPP suits. The amendments aim to protect individuals' rights to freely speak, petition, and associate without fear of retaliatory legal action.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6626