(Updated March 10, 2005)
Current Bills
H.B. 98
Introduced Jan. 25, 2005 by Rep. Camille "Bud" George, author of the existing anti-SLAPP statute. The bill, cosponsored by 23 legislators, would strengthen the existing statute by broadly defining certain key terms.
Statutes
27 Pennsylvania Statutes Section 7707, Sections 8301 - 8305
Legislative History:
On Dec. 20, 2000 the governor signed into law House Bill 393 (see Printer's No. 4235), although the version passed is a weakened version of the original bill. HB 393 was introduced Feb. 8, 1999 by Rep. Camille "Bud" George, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Rep. Brett Feese. The bill as introduced passed the House unanimously on April 19, 1999. (See (Printer's No. 1538.) In the senate the bill was significantly amended first by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee (see Printer's No. 2864) in April 1999 and then on the floor on Nov. 21, 2000 (see Printer's No. 4230).
Historical Notes:
A bill protecting against liability of citizens for participation in environmental policy debate was introduced in the Pennsylvania House January 24, 1995, during the 1995-96 Regular Session, but was not passed (see House Bill 281). A new bill, H.B. 394, was introduced February 5, 1997, during the 1997-1998 Regular Session, but also did not pass (see House Bill 394). On Oct. 28, 1997 the Rep. George proposed an amendment to House Bill 1744 to protect citizens from SLAPP suits. After an extensive debate on the topic the House passed the George amendment and sent the bill to the Senate. The portion of HB 1744 pertaining to SLAPP suits was deleted before HB 1744 was enacted.
Cases
Trial Court Rules on State's Anti-SLAPP Statute (Oct. 21, 2004)
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