NJ A4857

Expands New Jersey's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law to protect individuals who make good-faith reports or complaints of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination under the Law Against Discrimination

Allows victims who file reports of sexual offenses or discrimination violations to seek dismissal of retaliatory lawsuits filed against them, provided the report was made without malice and with reasonable basis, regardless of whether formal prosecution or civil action was initiated

Enables successful anti-SLAPP motion filers to recover compensatory and punitive damages in addition to the existing remedies of court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and litigation expenses

Requires courts to broadly construe the law to further the goals of the Law Against Discrimination and protect victims of sexual offenses

Addresses concerns from the #MeToo movement that fear of retaliatory lawsuits discourages victims of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination from coming forward