S 1732 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Authorizes application for dismissal of a "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation" ("SLAPP").

New Jersey's S 1732 creates a process for defendants to seek dismissal of "SLAPP" lawsuits - civil cases designed to silence public advocacy on issues like health, environment, or government matters. The bill allows defendants (called "moving parties") to file an application arguing a lawsuit targets protected speech, triggering a court stay on discovery until the motion is decided. If the defendant shows the lawsuit stems from public advocacy, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to prove the case has factual and legal merit, not just to suppress free speech. This law aims to prevent frivolous lawsuits that chill public participation while requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate actual harm and valid legal grounds.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Party
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P
Photo of Paul Moriarty
Paul Moriarty
DDemocratic
NJ
4