Protect free speech rights of Iowans

UPDATE: this bill was signed by the governor.

The legislature is considering a bill - HF472 - that would protect Iowans from SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).   The legislation is a common sense bill that protects Iowans free speech rights when publicly discussing issues in front of legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceedings.  Unfortunately, SLAPP suits have become a strategy used to silence opponents, media, or others and tie them up in expensive, time consuming, slow litigation. 

The legislation would create an expedited relief in civil court actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association.  That expedited relief includes a motion to dismiss the lawsuit that must be held no later than 60 days after filing of the motion.  The bill also requires all proceedings to be stopped (stayed) until the judge rules on the motion and the 30-day window for an appeal has passed.  During the stay of proceedings, limited discovery can be authorized by the judge.

What you can do