South Dakota will create a new anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law that lets people quickly dismiss lawsuits filed against them for protected speech—such as statements made in government proceedings, public comments on issues under government review, or speech on matters of public concern. The law won't apply to lawsuits filed by the government itself or to those involving businesses disputing sales-related communications. This protects South Dakotans from being sued into silence for exercising their First Amendment rights.
AI-generated summary
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 279
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0. S.J. 223
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 15
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 15
Judiciary Motion to amend S.J. 14
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 120
Prime sponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-030
Prime sponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-001
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-029
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-005
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. SD-034
Timothy Goodwin
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-030
Do Pass Amended
Do Pass Amended
Do Pass Amended