SB 115 (1996): preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation.

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@misc{bill-1996-sb115, title = {SB 115 (1996): preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/1996/sb115}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

SB 115 (1996)

preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 1995-1996
  • House committee: Judiciary and Family Law
  • Senate committee: Judiciary
  • Subject: Miscellaneous
  • Chapter law: 2

The Story

It was introduced on January 5, 1995 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes. On March 9, 1995 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the House on March 16, 1995 and was referred to the House Judiciary and Family Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 19, 1995. The committee held a work session on April 24, 1995. The majority of the committee recommended that the House send it back to committee unanimously, 13–0. On May 9, 1995 the bill was referred to the Judiciary and Family Law committee. The committee held work sessions on June 20, 1995 and June 28, 1995. The majority of the committee recommended that the House pass it with changes by a vote of 18–1. On January 11, 1996 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On January 18, 1996 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on January 31, 1996 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on February 12, 1996, making it Chapter 2 of the session laws. It took effect on July 1, 1996.

Sponsors

  • Sen. Podles (SD16) (prime sponsor)
  • Sen. Barnes (SD17)

Hearings and Sessions

  • March 8, 1995, 10:30 AM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, RM103,LOB
  • April 19, 1995, 10:00 AM: hearing, House Judiciary and Family Law, RM208,LOB
  • April 24, 1995, 2:30 PM: subcommittee work session, House Judiciary and Family Law, RM208,LOB
  • June 20, 1995, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Judiciary and Family Law, RM208,LOB
  • June 28, 1995, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Judiciary and Family Law, RM208,LOB

Votes

  • March 9, 1995, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment — voice vote, passed
  • January 11, 1996, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — voice vote, passed
  • January 18, 1996, Senate: Concur — voice vote, passed

The Docket

  • January 5, 1995: INTRODUCED AND REF TO JUDICIARY; SJ2,P29
  • February 2, 1995: <NOTE TIME CHANGE> HEARING MAR08 10:30 RM103,LOB FOR: JUD
  • March 8, 1995: COMM REPORT OTP/AM MAR09
  • March 8, 1995: PROP COMM AM<1716>; SC18,P11
  • March 9, 1995: COMM AM, AA VV; PASSED WITH AM VV; SJ8,P104-105 + 112
  • March 16, 1995: INTRODUCED AND REF TO JUDICIARY & F L; HJ44,P1325
  • March 22, 1995: COPY TO CHAIRMAN ON 03/22/95 DUE ON 05/10/95* (*CHG BY JT RULS)
  • April 19, 1995: HEARING APR19 10:00 RM208,LOB FOR: JUDICIARY & F L
  • April 24, 1995: SUBCOM WORK SESSION APR24 02:30 RM208,LOB FOR: JUD
  • May 4, 1995: MAJ REPORT RE-REF FOR MAY09 (VOTE 13-0)
  • May 9, 1995: RE-REFERRED TO JUDICIARY VV; HJ66,P1852
  • June 20, 1995: RE-REF SUBCOM WORK SESSION JUN20 10:00 RM208,LOB FOR: JUD
  • June 28, 1995: RE-REF SUBCOM WORK SESSION JUN28 10:00 RM208,LOB FOR: JUD
  • November 1, 1995: RE-REF MAJ REPORT OTP/AM FOR 1996 SESSION (VOTE 18-1)
  • November 1, 1995: PROP RE-REF MAJ AM<4041>; HC101,P2449
  • January 11, 1996: COMM AM, AA VV; PASSED WITH AM VV; HJ8,P303 + 318
  • January 18, 1996: SEN CONC WITH HOUSE AM, SEN PODLES MA VV; SJ3,P48
  • January 25, 1996: ENROLLED; SJ4,P60
  • January 31, 1996: ENROLLED; HJ18,P554
  • February 12, 1996: SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 02/12/96 EFF: 07/01/96 CHAP.0002

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court