HF 472: Creating a special motion for expedited relief in actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and of the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association, and including applicability provisions

What it does

This bill enacts the “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act”, which creates a special motion for expedited relief in actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and of the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association. The bill applies to a cause of action asserted in a civil action against a person based on the person’s communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or exercise of the person’s first amendment right on a matter of public concern.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2025

• Rep. Steven C. Holt (R) · steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas (D) · megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Craig Steven Williams (R) · craig.williams@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 16 for, 1 against

For: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Americans For Prosperity; Dr. Tanja Garrison; Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Broadcasters Association; Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund; Iowa Commission on Uniform State Laws c/o David S. Walker, Chair; Iowa Freedom of Information Council; Iowa Minuteman Civil Defense Corps; and 4 more

Against: Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

In plain words

1. February 3, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 116
2. February 3, 2025House subcommittee named: Holt, Srinivas and Williams · as HSB 116
3. February 11, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 116
4. February 18, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 116
5. February 18, 2025Committee vote: 19–0 · as HSB 116
6. February 19, 2025Filed in the House
7. February 19, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 472 · as HSB 116
8. March 11, 2025Passed the House, 91–0
9. March 12, 2025Arrived in the Senate
10. April 16, 2025Took the place of SF 47 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
11. April 16, 2025Passed the Senate, 47–0
12. April 24, 2025Passed the House, 89–0
13. May 19, 2025Sent to the Governor
14. May 19, 2025Signed into law