Reporters Committee Calls for Federal Anti-SLAPP Law

SLAPP lawsuits are legal bullying. "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" use the resources of well-heeled business or political groups to harass smaller citizens' groups or (sometimes) news media who can barely afford lawyers. Now some are calling for a federal law to counter them.

Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) testified in favor of anti-SLAPP legislation June 22, 2016, before a House hearing.

Many — but not all — states already have anti-SLAPP laws. Such laws allow quick termination of meritless lawsuits. But remaining gaps are reason for a federal law.

Such a bill (HR 2304) has been introduced by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX).

• "Reporters Committee Executive Director Brown Urges Lawmakers To Pass Federal Anti-SLAPP Statute," Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, release of June 22, 2016.