Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that critics say would threaten freedom of speech with frivolous lawsuits, by altering the state’s so-called anti-SLAPP law.
The Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee heard testimony late Wednesday evening from numerous witnesses on House Bill 2988 that would make changes to the state’s anti-SLAPP law, by allowing the plaintiff to collect attorney fees from the defendant if a dismissal motion isn’t granted.
SLAPP is an acronym for “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.” It’s defined as litigation brought by individuals and entities to dissuade critics from producing negative publicity against them. Such lawsuits often lack legal merits and are considered an intimidation tactic.
The existing Texas Citizens Participation Act, enacted in 2011, the anti-SLAPP law, was designed to protect…
