HSB 116: 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. _____ concern. The bill does not apply to causes of action against a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting or purporting to act in an official capacity; by a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce or protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or against a person engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to a person’s sale or lease of the goods or services.

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
2. February 3, 2025House subcommittee named: Holt, Srinivas and Williams
3. February 11, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 18, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 18, 2025Committee vote: 19–0
6. February 19, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 472