Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1466

Introduced
6/21/23  
Refer
6/21/23  
Refer
10/4/23  
Report Pass
10/5/23  
Engrossed
10/5/23  
Refer
10/13/23  
Refer
7/2/24  
Report Pass
7/2/24  
Refer
7/10/24  
Report Pass
7/10/24  
Enrolled
7/10/24  
Chaptered
7/17/24  

Caption

In particular rights and immunities, providing for a cause of action on protected public expression and for immunity for protected public expression; and imposing a duty upon the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1466 would alter existing legal standards surrounding civil actions linked to public expression. Specifically, it introduces a new cause of action for individuals who have previously defended against meritless lawsuits based on their public expression. Under this framework, prevailing parties in such cases would be entitled to recover attorney fees and punitive damages against the accuser if the lawsuit was shown to be filed for harassment or intimidation purposes. This shift is expected to encourage broader and more fearless public participation in civic matters.

Summary

House Bill 1466, known as the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, aims to strengthen protections for individuals and organizations that engage in activities related to public expression. The bill establishes a framework that grants immunity for civil liability against lawsuits intended to suppress free speech or public discourse. This legislative measure is positioned as a safeguard to encourage participation in discussions on matters of public interest, combating the rise of litigation used to intimidate or silence individuals exercising their right to free speech.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1466 is largely supportive among advocates for free speech and civil liberties. Proponents view the bill as a necessary response to abuses of the legal system that chill public discourse. However, there is notable concern expressed by critics who fear the potential for the law to be misused, potentially shielding harassment under the guise of free speech protection. The discussions reflect a tension between safeguarding individual expression and preventing the exploitation of legal protections by those seeking to avoid accountability for harmful actions.

Contention

Key points of contention lie in the scope and application of the immunity provisions established by the bill. While supporters argue that these protections are essential for fostering open dialogue and civic engagement, opponents contend that such immunities could lead to a lack of accountability for harmful speech or actions. Critics also warn that the broad definitions employed around 'protected public expression' could lead to unintended consequences, complicating the legal landscape concerning the balance between free expression and the protection of individuals from malicious or harmful actions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA HB849

In falsification and intimidation, providing for the offense of failure to comply with child abuse offender registration requirements; in sentencing, providing for registration of child abuse offenders; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2409

In sentencing, further providing for period of registration and for registration; and establishing the Registration of Sexual Offenders Restricted Account.

PA SB281

In firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for firearm safety certificate and establishing the Firearm Safety and Enforcement Fund.

PA HB154

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms and for Pennsylvania State Police, repealing provisions relating to firearm sales surcharge and to Firearm Records Check Fund and further providing for licensing of dealers and for administrative regulations.

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA SB908

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for the offense of persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for firearm sales surcharge, for retail dealer required to be licensed and for licensing of dealers and providing for ammunition purchase authorization permits and for transporting ammunition into this Commonwealth; establishing the Ammunition Safety and Enforcement Fund; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1470

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.