2004 Regular Session

SENATE BILL 464

CHAPTER NUMBER: 279 File Code: Civil Actions and Procedures Prior Year Introduction As: HB 113/03 - JUD Crossfiled with: HOUSE BILL 930
Sponsored By:
Senator Green
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, without constitutional malice, exercises rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or specified 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

Senate Action
2/6
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
2/11
Hearing 3/4 at 1:00 p.m.
3/23
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
Favorable Report Adopted
Second Reading Passed
3/24
Third Reading Passed (38-9)
4/7
Returned Passed
5/11
Signed by the Governor Chapter 279
House Action
3/24
First Reading Judiciary
3/26
Hearing 4/1 at 1:00 p.m.
4/7
Favorable Report by Judiciary
4/3
Favorable Report Adopted
Second Reading Passed
4/4
Third Reading Passed (139-0)
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: None offered
Roll Call Votes (Legislative dates are shown):
Senate
March 24, 2004: Third Reading Passed (38-9)
House
April 4, 2004: Third Reading Passed (139-0)