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
Floor votes
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No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Paul Moriarty
DDemocratic
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