Pennsylvania

Grade: D

Pennsylvania has a weak anti-SLAPP law. It was enacted in 2000.

Jurisdiction Statute or Case Law? Any Forum? Any Public Issue? Mandatory Attorney Fees/Costs? Additional Burden? Amendment After Grant? Amendment While Pending? Immediate Appeal?
Pennsylvania 27 Pa. Cons. Stat. section 7707 and section 8301-3 (2000) Y Y Y ? ? Y
 

27 PA. CONS. STAT. § 7707 & §§ 8301 – 8303. (2000)

Communications in connection with implementation and enforcement of environmental law and regulations made before a government body/proceeding, in connection with an issue under review by government body, or to a government agency, are immune from civil liability.

 

Pennsylvania SLAPP Stories:

Featured
Lawsuits to limit public participation can impact free speech, including #MeToo movement
Lawsuits to limit public participation can impact free speech, including #MeToo movement

Lawrence M. Farnese Jr., a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania Senate and sponsor of legislation (Senate Bill 95) that would strengthen PA’s anti-SLAPP law, called for support in moving the bill forward in a piece for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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When Sexual Assault Victims Are Charged With Lying
When Sexual Assault Victims Are Charged With Lying

There are many reasons for women to think twice about reporting sexual assault. But one potential consequence looms especially large: They may also be prosecuted.

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PA Senate passes anti-SLAPP legislation
PA Senate passes anti-SLAPP legislation

The Pennsylvania Senate passed state anti-SLAPP legislation by a vote of 42-8 on April 25, 2017.  “I am grateful for the bipartisan support for this important legislation,” prime sponsor Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia)  said. “As a lawyer, I will be the first to admit that in many circumstances, lawsuits are necessary. But we must take action to prevent litigation that only exists to harass and intimidate.”

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Charter school parents' long legal fight ends
Charter school parents' long legal fight ends

A defamation lawsuit against several parents of former students at Agora Cyber Charter School quietly ended after 7 1/2 years. Officials closed the case because there had been no activity for more than two years.

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Pa. Senate Passes Anti-SLAPP Measure

Law360, Philadelphia (July 1, 2015, 3:14 PM ET) — The Pennsylvania Senate threw its overwhelming support on Tuesday to legislation that would authorize monetary penalties for plaintiffs found to have filed so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP suits, designed to stifle criticism against businesses and developers.

Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Philadelphia, said that the legislation he sponsored would not only require courts to quickly hold hearings to determine a potential SLAPP suit’s legitimacy but also allow targets of frivolous litigation to recover damages.

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PPP Policy Director Evan Mascagni 2014 PA Testimony
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Local SEIU President Sued for Town Hall Statements

In 1997, the health care organization Beverly Enterprises sued the local president of the Service Employees International Union, accusing her of defaming an executive of the company in a one-on-one confrontation at a rally and at an informal town hall meeting called by five members of Congress.

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Nurses Union SLAPPed for Speaking About Safety Issues

In 1996, medical services provider Beverly Enterprises sued a nurses union in Pennsylvania for malicious defamation in the publication of fliers and radio statements about safety issues and the ongoing labor dispute between the union and the medical services company.

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Techdirt: Is Complying With A Cease And Desist An Automatic Admission Of Guilt?
Techdirt: Is Complying With A Cease And Desist An Automatic Admission Of Guilt?

A Philadelphia court granted an injunction stopping a blogger from criticizing eye doctors.

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