2016: HB 513 – Pleadings and motions; right of free speech
Session 2015-16Sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), House Bill 513 expands the existing Anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) statute to matters of public interest and is a major deterrent in halting the filing of frivolous lawsuits. The bill would allow a judge to grant early dismissal of claims targeting exercise of First Amendment rights unless the plaintiff was able to establish a probability of prevailing on the claim. The right for immediate appeal is provided on a balanced basis for both sides and attorneys’ fees would be awarded to a defendant who prevails on anti-SLAPP motion, which deters lawsuits unfairly targeting speech protected by the First Amendment. Modeled from legislation in other states such as California, HB 513 will be a key component in supporting a large and growing movie, film and television industry in Georgia.
| Description | Sponsors | Bill Status | Chamber Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), House Bill 513 expands the existing Anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) statute to matters of public interest and is a major deterrent in halting the filing of frivolous lawsuits. The bill would allow a judge to grant early dismissal of claims targeting exercise of First Amendment rights unless the plaintiff was able to establish a probability of prevailing on the claim. The right for immediate appeal is provided on a balanced basis for both sides and attorneys’ fees would be awarded to a defendant who prevails on anti-SLAPP motion, which deters lawsuits unfairly targeting speech protected by the First Amendment. Modeled from legislation in other states such as California, HB 513 will be a key component in supporting a large and growing movie, film and television industry in Georgia. |
Effective Date 07/01/2016 |
