Bill > H4164

This bill proposes reforms to Massachusetts' Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law with two key provisions. First, the bill protects individuals and small businesses by preventing court-awarded costs or fees from resulting in a lien against a non-moving party's primary residence or primary business, specifically for businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Second, the bill introduces a mandatory mediation process for special motions to dismiss under the Anti-SLAPP statute, requiring the court to order parties to participate in mediation before ruling on the motion. During this mediation, no attorney fees or costs will accrue, and the process must be conducted quickly. If the parties cannot resolve their dispute through mediation, the court will then proceed to decide whether to grant the special motion to dismiss. These changes aim to provide additional protections for individuals and small businesses involved in potential SLAPP lawsuits and encourage dispute resolution through mediation.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4164