S 1261
An Act relative to strategic litigation against public participation
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses concerns about ‘strategic litigation’ – lawsuits filed primarily to chill public participation in environmental and other public matters. It aims to limit the ability to bring lawsuits against individuals or organizations who are exercising their First Amendment rights to protest or engage in advocacy. The bill seeks to protect individuals and organizations from legal action when they participate in public discourse, particularly regarding environmental issues.
Key provisions
- It establishes a process for challenging lawsuits brought to silence public participation.
- It creates a mechanism for defendants to seek dismissal of lawsuits based on strategic litigation.
- The bill focuses on lawsuits that target individuals or groups for engaging in protected speech.
- It aims to prevent lawsuits from being used to discourage public involvement in environmental decision-making.
- The bill seeks to clarify the scope of ‘strategic litigation’ and its application.
- It establishes a framework for addressing frivolous or vexatious lawsuits.
- It may provide a defense against lawsuits where the primary purpose is to suppress public expression.
- It requires plaintiffs to demonstrate a legitimate legal claim beyond simply seeking to discourage public participation.
Who is affected
- Environmental advocates
- Individuals participating in public protests
- Organizations engaging in public advocacy
- Legal professionals
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
Cosponsors
Bruce E. Tarr
Peter J. Durant
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Bill S.1261 194th (Current)
An Act relative to strategic litigation against public participation
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1261) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to strategic litigation against public participation. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Bruce E. Tarr
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill S.1261
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 7/16/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 7/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 |
| 12/18/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886 |
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