Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends civil rights law in relation to "frivolous" lawsuits.

Highlights:

• Requires costs and attorney fees to be recovered upon a demonstration that an action involving public petition and participation was commenced or continued without a substantial basis in fact and law and could not be supported by a substantial argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law (Sec. 1).

• Defines an “action involving public petition and participation” as (Sec. 1):

• Any communication in a place open to the public or a public forum in connection with an issue of public interest; or

• Any other lawful conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the constitutional right of free speech in connection with an issue of public interest, or in furtherance of the exercise of the constitutional right of petition.

• Defines the “public interest” as any subject other than a purely private matter (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text