Overview

• HB 2988 and SB 336, along with companion HB 2459, propose significant changes to the Texas Citizens Participation Act, including making attorney fee awards discretionary and removing automatic discovery stays.
• Free speech advocates, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, warn the reforms could erode protections against lawsuits designed to silence critics and journalists.
• Supporters of the bills argue the current anti-SLAPP provisions are being misused to delay legitimate litigation, citing cases where frivolous motions caused costly delays.
• Republican sponsors, including Rep. Mano DeAyala and Sen. Bryan Hughes, assert the reforms aim to curb abuse while preserving the core intent of the 2011 law.
• The proposed legislation is set for committee hearings later this week, with opponents cautioning the changes could embolden litigious entities and stifle free expression.