In particular rights and immunities, providing for immunity for protected public expression.
Impact
If enacted, SB972 would establish a legal framework where individuals who engage in protected public expressions could claim immunity from civil liability if their speech is challenged in court. The bill also includes provisions for recovering attorney fees and costs from parties that bring lawsuits deemed meritless under this act. This could significantly influence how civil actions, particularly those related to public expression, are litigated in Pennsylvania, offering stronger protections for those exercising their rights.
Summary
Senate Bill 972, known as the Pennsylvania Public Expression Protection Act, aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by providing immunity for protected public expression. The legislation is introduced in response to concerns over an increase in lawsuits that may impede the exercise of constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and the right to petition. The bill is designed to encourage individuals and groups to engage in public discourse without the fear of being subjected to meritless claims that could chill their rights.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SB972 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers advocating for free speech protections. Supporters argue that the bill is essential in safeguarding civil liberties against frivolous lawsuits that aim to suppress public expression. However, critics may be concerned about potential misuse or misinterpretation of the provisions, potentially leading to challenges in distinguishing between protected speech and actionable claims.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB972 revolve around its scope and application. Critics may argue that while the intent to protect public expression is valuable, the broad immunity could inadvertently shield those whose actions may cause harm under the guise of free speech. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the balance between protecting constitutional rights and addressing legitimate civil grievances, leading to potential legal ambiguities in future court cases.
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.
In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.
In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.
In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.
In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® 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.
Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.
In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.