PA Expands Protections Against Frivolous Suits Aimed At Curtailing Free Speech

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvanians have new protections against lawsuits meant to silence public expression under a bill Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law this week.

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are often filed against people or groups who criticize corporations or governments. The person or entity behind a SLAPP suit can cite defamation or privacy violations as their reason for suing, even if their real goal is intimidation or draining the defendant’s funds with legal fees.

Previously, Pennsylvania’s anti-SLAPP law only safeguarded free speech on environmental issues. The...