1996 Regular Session

HOUSE BILL 532

File Code: Civil Actions and Procedures Prior Year Introduction As: HB 142/95 - JUD
Sponsored By:
Delegates Rosenberg, Harkins, Fry, Jacobs, McIntosh, Perry, Preis, Bonsack, Bobo, and Dembrow
Entitled:
Qualified Immunity from Civil Liability - SLAPP Suits

Synopsis:

Granting qualified immunity from civil liability to a defendant in a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP suit) who, when communicating with a government body or the public at large, in good faith, exercises rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or certain articles of the Maryland Declaration of Rights regarding certain matters; allowing a defendant to move to dismiss the alleged SLAPP suit; etc.

Legislative History

House Action
1/31
First Reading Judiciary
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
2/19
Favorable Report by Judiciary
2/20
Favorable Report Adopted
Second Reading Passed
2/23
Third Reading Passed (129-7)
Senate Action
2/26
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
3/27
Hearing 4/2 at 1:00 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg, District 42
Delegate Elizabeth Bobo, District 12B
Delegate Rose Mary Hatem Bonsack, District 34
Delegate Dana Lee Dembrow, District 20
Delegate Donald C. Fry, District 35A
Delegate James M. Harkins, District 35A
Delegate Nancy Jacobs, District 34
Delegate Maggie L. McIntosh, District 42
Delegate Marsha G. Perry, District 33
Delegate Mary Louise Preis, District 34
Bill indexed under the following Subjects:
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES, STATE
CIVIL ACTIONS -see also- SMALL CLAIMS
COURTS - GENERAL
DAMAGES
HARASSMENT
LIABILITY -see also- GOOD SAMARITAN
ZONING AND PLANNING
Bill affects the following Statute:
Courts and Judicial Proceedings
( 5-399.7 )

Documents:

Bill Text:
First Reading (PDF), Third Reading (PDF), Enrolled
Fiscal Note: Available (PDF)

Amendments: None available