This bill amends New Jersey's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law to extend protections to individuals who report or complain about sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. Specifically, it allows individuals to make a report or complaint in good faith and without malice regarding sexual offenses or violations of the Law Against Discrimination, and provides them with legal protections against retaliatory lawsuits. The bill clarifies that these protections apply even if no criminal prosecution or civil action has been initiated, as long as the individual had a reasonable basis for their report or complaint.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, as well as litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees for individuals who successfully dismiss a SLAPP claim. It emphasizes that the act should be broadly construed to protect the rights of free speech, assembly, and association, while also furthering the goals of the Law Against Discrimination and protecting victims of sexual offenses. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:53A-50, 2A:53A-52, 2A:53A-55, 2A:53A-58, 2A:53A-59