Montana joins growing list of states with codified protection against frivolous lawsuits
A bill aimed at strengthening Montanans’ First Amendment rights became law just days before World Press Freedom Day.
Earlier this week Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 292, which strengthens the public’s defenses against a legal maneuver known as a “strategic lawsuit against public participation.” SLAPPs use the legal process and associated costs to intimidate or suppress speech a plaintiff doesn’t like.
“A SLAPP may come in the form of defamation, invasion of privacy, nuisance or other claim, but its real goal is to entangle the defendant in expensive litigation and stifle their ability to engage in Constitutionally protected activities,” bill sponsor Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, said while introducing the bill before the House Judiciary committee in February.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
