The bill H.107 aims to enhance protections under Vermont's anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) statute by including good faith reports or complaints related to sex offenses and sexual harassment. It specifies that civil actions filed against individuals for exercising their rights to free speech or petitioning the government, particularly in the context of reporting such offenses, will be subject to a special motion to strike if the claims lack reasonable factual support or legal basis and have not caused actual harm. The bill outlines the procedures for filing these motions, including timelines for responses and hearings, and establishes criteria for the court's decision-making process.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for awarding compensatory damages, costs, and reasonable attorney fees to defendants if their special motion to strike is granted, and similarly to plaintiffs if the motion is found to be frivolous. It clarifies that the court's ruling on these motions is not admissible in later stages of the case and specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill also excludes certain enforcement actions and tortious interference cases from its application.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-1041