Wyoming legislators took a step toward safeguarding free expression on Monday by introducing a revised anti‑SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) bill. The proposal, which will move to the full Legislature in the January 2027 session, seeks to block civil suits that are filed primarily to intimidate or silence dissenting voices.
Why Wyoming needs an anti‑SLAPP law
Currently, Wyoming is one of a handful of states without a dedicated anti‑SLAPP statute. Critics of the status quo argue that powerful individuals and entities can use costly litigation to chill speech, even when the underlying claims lack merit. An anti‑SLAPP law would give courts a mechanism to dismiss such suits early, protecting citizens, journalists, and activists from undue financial and emotional strain.
Bill details and model
The new draft draws heavily from the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, a model law crafted by the Uniform Law Commission – a nonprofit of state‑based commissioners that promotes legal consistency across the nation. The legislation would create a clear standard for courts to evaluate whether a lawsuit is truly about a legitimate claim or merely an attempt to suppress public commentary.
Concerns from the legal community
During the Joint Judiciary Committee hearing, Beth Lance, an attorney representing the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association, urged lawmakers to carve out an exception for medical‑malpractice, wrongful‑death, and related actions. She warned that without such a carve‑out, a doctor facing a legitimate malpractice claim could see the case dismissed before a court can assess negligence. Lance also suggested that statements made about ongoing medical actions should be exempt unless they rise to the level of defamation.
The committee did not adopt Lance’s suggestions on Monday. Lawmakers noted that the bill already contains a broad exemption for complaints involving the sale or lease of goods and services, with certain limitations. They indicated that further refinements could be made during the upcoming legislative session.
Legislative outlook
Sen. Barry Crago, a Republican attorney from Johnson and Sheridan counties, expressed cautious optimism. “I don’t have the language in mind today, but I do think it’s something we continue to look at, because I understand the points, and I think there’s merit in some of those points,” Crago said.
Previous attempts to pass anti‑SLAPP legislation failed two years in a row, with opponents citing gaps in the language. This renewed effort reflects a broader national trend of states adopting anti‑SLAPP statutes to protect free speech while balancing legitimate legal claims.
What’s next?
The bill will be reviewed by the full Wyoming Legislature in January 2027. Lawmakers expect to hear additional testimony from stakeholders, including trial lawyers, business groups, and free‑speech advocates, before finalizing the language. If enacted, Wyoming would join a growing list of states that have codified protections against strategic lawsuits designed to silence public participation.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
