LANSING, Mich., June 18, 2024 — State Rep. Kara Hope’s (D-Holt) legislation that would prohibit strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee. House Bill 5788 would create the Uniform Public Expression Act, which would allow courts to dismiss these SLAPP suits much earlier in the proceedings, saving defendants from becoming buried in legal fees as well as saving court resources. In response, Hope released the following statement:

“I am thrilled that this legislation is one step closer to becoming law. Michiganders need the freedom to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of retaliatory lawsuits. The Uniform Public Expression Act preserves the right to free speech by allowing courts to dismiss these meritless suits instead of dragging on for years while the defendant racks up considerable attorney fees.”