2003 Regular Session

HOUSE BILL 113

File Code: Civil Actions and Procedures Prior Year Introduction As: HB 481/99 - JUD
Sponsored By:
Delegates Rosenberg, McIntosh, Bobo, Carter, Kelly, and Zirkin
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 specified matters; allowing a defendant to move to dismiss the alleged SLAPP suit; etc.

History by Legislative Date

House Action
1/23
First Reading Judiciary
1/29
Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.
2/17
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
2/19
Favorable with Amendments Report Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
2/21
Third Reading Passed (136-0)
Senate Action
2/24
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
3/19
Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.
4/3
Unfavorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
Sponsored by:
Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg, District 41
Delegate Elizabeth Bobo, District 12B
Delegate Jill P. Carter, District 41
Delegate Kevin Kelly, District 1B
Delegate Maggie McIntosh, District 43
Delegate Bobby A. Zirkin, District 11
Bill indexed under the following Subjects:
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES -see also- ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT
CIVIL ACTIONS -see also- SMALL CLAIMS
COURTS -see also- CIRCUIT; APPEALS; DISTRICT; ORPHANS'; etc.
HARASSMENT
HEARINGS
LIABILITY -see also- GOOD SAMARITAN
Bill affects the following Statute:
Courts and Judicial Proceedings
( 5-807 )

Documents:

Bill Text: First Reading (PDF), Third Reading (PDF), Enrolled
Fiscal Note: Available (PDF)
Amendments:
House
Number: 212013/01 (PDF)     Offered on: February 19, 2003   at: 10:54 a.m.     Status: Adopted
Roll Call Vote (Legislative date is shown):
House
February 21, 2003: Third Reading Passed (136-0)