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HB 1077 reforms and updates Illinois' 20 year old SLAPP law to ensure that all First Amendment rights—freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble or petition, and the right of association—are protected in Illinois without the threat of being punished by expensive litigation. Take action in support of this bill!

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Subject Support HB 1077!

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As a constituent who believes it is critical for everyone to be able to express themselves about public policy, I write to urge you to support the Public Expression Protection Act, HB 1077, when it is considered in the on the floor. This measure levels the playing field so that powerful interests cannot use the court system to squelch voices of dissent.

These lawsuits – known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) – are an affront to basic First Amendment rights. The goal of a SLAPP lawsuit is not to win the lawsuit, but to bury the target in expensive litigation that punishes them for speaking out on an issue of public concern or for exercising First Amendment rights. This could be a parent who speaks out in a school board meeting or a citizen who protests a proposed development before the zoning board.

The Public Expression Protection Act is built on national model legislation – already adopted in 10 states – that updates Illinois’ anti-SLAPP law that passed the General Assembly nearly two decades ago. The current Illinois law is not working and needs to be improved. HB 1077 makes those changes.

Please support the Public Expression Protection Act when it is considered.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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