Anti-SLAPP bill to fight against free speech-related lawsuits

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - A new 'Anti-Slapp' bill is coming to the Idaho Senate.

Lawmakers say the bill is meant to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by lawsuits that they feel, are intimidating them from expressing their freedom of speech. Supporters of these laws have labeled these lawsuits as "SLAPP" suits, short for strategic lawsuits against public participation.

Bill sponsor Senator Brian Lenney says it will help protect people from expensive defamation, slander, or public nuisance lawsuits that can take years to finalize in court.

“So imagine you’re being sued because someone doesn’t like something you said in a blog post,” Lenney said “Your lawyer, can file an anti-SLAPP motion for expedited relief under this bill...

"It essentially freezes all proceedings until the court rules on the motion.”

Also testifying in favor of the bill was Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, Greg Pruett from Rigby. 

Pruett recalled the time he was sued for defamation, fraud, and civil conspiracy. All of which took an emotional toll on not only him but his family. 

"After 18 months, the individual dropped the lawsuit," Pruett said. "So $20,000 later, there's a lot of stress that you can't possibly imagine.

"And there's nothing we can do other than try to file a lawsuit to try and gain some of that money back."

The committee voted in favor of the legislation. It now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.