The bill H.107 aims to enhance the protections offered by Vermont's anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) statute by including good faith reports or complaints related to sex offenses and sexual harassment. Specifically, it amends the existing law to ensure that individuals who file such reports are protected from civil actions that may be intended to suppress their constitutional rights to free speech and petitioning the government. The bill outlines the criteria under which a defendant can file a special motion to strike, emphasizing that the protections apply to actions based on the exercise of these rights or the making of good faith reports regarding specific violations.

Key amendments include the insertion of provisions that define the scope of the law to include good faith reports of sexual offenses and harassment, as well as the establishment of a process for defendants to seek dismissal of frivolous lawsuits. The bill also introduces the possibility of awarding compensatory and punitive damages to defendants if their special motion to strike is granted, while also allowing for similar awards to plaintiffs if the motion is found to be frivolous. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-1041