Anti-SLAPP laws protect people from strategic lawsuits against public participation, also known as SLAPP suits. SLAPP suits can be used against individuals and organizations to intimidate and silence public critiques. Plaintiffs bring expensive legal proceedings against defendants, who are then forced to rack up exorbitant legal fees defending themselves against baseless charges.
If Anti-SLAPP passes, Wisconsin will adopt the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) framework, allowing a person sued in a SLAPP suit to file a motion to strike the lawsuit if it arises from their constitutional right of petition or free speech in connection with a public issue. In addition, if a defendant prevails on a special motion to strike, a court must award it all court costs and legal fees. With the passage of this legislation, Wisconsin will be taking steps toward better protecting journalists and members of the public from harmful SLAPP suits.
Urge the Senate to schedule a floor vote on SB 666 before March 19.
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