AUSTIN —Anti-SLAPP bills have been passed in 27 states and last Wednesday, Texas moved a step closer to protecting its citizen’s First Amendment rights when House Bill 2973 passed with a unanimous vote. This bill and its Senate version SB 1565, protect against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). These frivolous lawsuits can be brought by organizations with deep pockets against concerned citizens who speak up and speak out against them. Their sole intention is to silence dissenting voices by threatening costly litigation; essentially using our court system as a weapon for censorship and retribution. The anti-SLAPP was proposal by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi.{read more}
