In July of 2024, House Bill 1466 was signed into law as Act 72 of 2024 in order to provide free-speech protections, ensure an early resolution of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), and provide mandatory awards. While this law appropriately allows a defendant to recover fees, costs, and damages related to an action that is filed that attempts to limit a person’s right to free speech, insurance premiums may be increased once a SLAPP claim is dismissed.

For this reason, we will be introducing legislation that would allow the court to award present or future operating costs as damages to a defendant whose SLAPP claim is dismissed. Permitting the award of present or future operating costs would provide the opportunity for the increase in insurance premiums to be recovered, which would address the issue of ever-increasing insurance premiums.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation in order to reduce concerns associated with increased insurance premiums following a dismissed SLAPP claim.