SB 1325: Protecting public expression — 2024
ICL's position: Support
Current Bill Status: Dead; failed on Senate floor
Issue Areas: Clean Air, Clean Water, Fish and Wildlife, Public Lands, State Issues
The Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) was introduced by Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa) and Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) in the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee. The bill is intended to guard against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, known as SLAPP suits.
SLAPP suits are designed to intimidate and discourage individuals from engaging in public processes or making public comments through litigation.
The most recent notable SLAPP suit in Idaho was when a wealthy landowner in Stanley applied to build his airstrip, and faced local opposition. His application was ultimately approved but in addition to landing planes, he also sued local stakeholders who spoke out. His defamation suit targets lifetime public servants and community leaders, including a local Search & Rescue volunteer, and two former County Commissioners (one of whom has since passed away).
The case is currently before the Idaho Supreme Court and has sapped time and energy from these public leaders whose only crime is speaking out on issues they believe in.
[NOTE: SB 1325 failed on the Senate floor on 2/29 by a 15-20 vote.]