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MA H1627
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Mark Cusack
Click for details
AI Summary
- Replaces and strengthens Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 59H governing Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits
- Allows parties sued for exercising freedom of speech, petition, or expression rights to file a special motion to dismiss within 60 days of service
- Requires courts to grant the special motion to dismiss unless the plaintiff proves both that the defendant's speech lacked any reasonable factual support or legal basis AND caused actual injury
- Automatically stays all discovery proceedings upon filing of the special motion, with limited exceptions for good cause shown by court order
- Mandates courts award all costs and reasonable attorneys' fees to successful moving parties, including fees for the motion and related discovery matters
Legislative Description
Relative to strengthen the Commonwealth's Anti-SLAPP law
Last Action
Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
10/20/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available