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Mich. House takes aim at SLAPP suits

By The Associated Press
08.21.10

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan House has approved a bill supporters say protects people from retaliatory lawsuits for certain free-speech activities, including what they post on social-networking sites.

The bill passed 68-34 yesterday in the Democratic-run House and advances to the Republican-led Senate.

Supporters say it would bar businesses from suing to harass or intimidate people who criticize them. The bill includes protections for postings on sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Courts would dismiss the suits if the comments were covered by free-speech or petition rights.

The legislation prohibiting strategic lawsuits against public participation or "SLAPP" lawsuits is H.B. 5036.

Some lawmakers who oppose the bill say it could have unintended consequences. Similar laws in other states have been criticized for blocking access to the courts.