Civil Actions – Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
Sponsor: Shelly Hettleman (District 11)Committee: Judicial ProceedingsSubject: Civil Actions and ProceduresStatus: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m. (as of Nov 6, 2020)
What this bill does
Official synopsis
Altering the conditions under which a lawsuit is considered a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP suit); specifying the conditions under which a lawsuit is not considered a SLAPP suit; altering the conditions under which a defendant in a SLAPP suit is not civilly liable for certain communications; providing for a plaintiff's burden and the award of certain fees in connection with a motion to dismiss; providing for the prospective application of the Act; etc.
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Testimony (12)
MGA witness listFAV 9FavorableFWA 2Favorable with amendmentsUNF 1Unfavorable
| Position | Witness | Organization | Testimony |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAV | SPIELBERGER, JOE | ACLU | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | JORDAN, LISAElobbyist | MCASA | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | SNYDER, REBECCAlobbyist | MDDC | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | mclaughlin, jim | MDDC / WASHINGTON POST | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Kemerer, Hannibal | Office of the Attorney General | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | TUTMAN, FRED | PATUXENT WATERKEEPERS | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | LEVY, PAUL | PUBLIC CITIZEN | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | NICHOLAS, BETSY | WATERKEEPERS CHESAPEAKE | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Lowe, Luther | YELP | Written (PDF) |
| UNF | Jones, Tyler | MD Judiciary | Written (PDF) |
| FWA | Hettleman, Shelly | Individual | Written (PDF) |
| FWA | Senator Hettleman, Senator Hettlemanlegislator | Individual | Oral + Written (PDF) |