[Updated May 27, 2009]
Statutes
Vermont Statutes Section 1041
Vermont's anti-SLAPP law (S. 103, "An Act Relating to Lawsuits Arising From Exercise of Right to Freedom of Speech or to Petition the Government for Redress of Grievances") was introduced by Sens. John Campbell (D-Windsor) and Matt Dunne (D-Windsor), and enacted in the 2005-2006 Legislative Session. It was signed into law by the governor on May 6, 2006 and became effective the same day. Interest in passing such legislation was prompted by a case in Barnard where a wealthy landowner, after a group of 14 neighbors filed a petition with the town Zoning Board of Adjustment challenging his plans to develop his property, sued both the neighbors and the Zoning Board. The defendants eventually paid $9500 to settle the case.
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