South Dakota would create a new anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law that allows defendants to quickly dismiss lawsuits filed against them for protected speech—such as statements made in government proceedings, public comments on matters of public concern, or exercise of First Amendment rights. The law would not apply to cases against government officials acting in their official capacity or to businesses being held accountable for failing to disclose information about their products or services. This protects citizens and organizations from being silenced by expensive lawsuits simply for speaking out on public issues.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 548
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 520
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 553
Signed by the President S.J. 505
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 2. H.J. 523
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 279
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0. S.J. 221
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 15
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 15
Judiciary Motion to amend S.J. 14
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 120
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended