Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1001 enacts the “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act” in Idaho, creating a legal mechanism to quickly dismiss civil lawsuits that target individuals or entities for exercising their rights to free speech, petition, assembly, or press—particularly in matters of public concern. Known as an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, it allows defendants to file a special motion for expedited relief, triggering an automatic stay of discovery and other proceedings while the court considers the motion. If granted, the motion results in dismissal of the claim and may require the losing party to pay court costs, attorney’s fees, and related expenses.

The law includes exceptions for cases involving government actors, enforcement of imminent public safety threats, and communications related to the sale of goods or services. It mandates that courts broadly interpret its provisions to protect constitutional rights and promotes uniformity with similar laws in other states. The act will apply to causes of action filed on or after January 1, 2026.

Reason for Rating:

This bill strongly aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s commitment to preserving individual liberties and limiting government interference in constitutionally protected activities. It safeguards freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition—core values emphasized throughout the platform—by providing citizens with a legal tool to defend themselves against abusive litigation aimed at chilling public discourse. The inclusion of fee recovery discourages frivolous suits while reinforcing the right to civic participation and political expression. By defending the voice of the people in the public square, this bill promotes transparency, accountability, and restrained government power.