A bill introduced in Texas threatens the free speech rights of 28 million residents by making it easier to bring frivolous lawsuits against speakers and to harass or intimidate them into silence.

Read the letter to Representative Jeff Leach from the Electronic Frontier Foundation opposing HB 2730.

Read the letter to Representative Jeff Leach from the Internet Association opposing HB 2730.

Read the letter to Representative Jeff Leach from the Institute for Free Speech opposing HB 2730.

Some eight years ago, the state legislature passed the Texas Citizens Participation Act, which was intended to provide early dismissal of meritless defamation suits filed by well-heeled plaintiffs looking to frighten and intimidate whistle-blowing critics in an approach that could be called, “If you can’t beat ’em, bankrupt ’em.”

Let’s say you don’t like your dinner at a Big Corporate chain restaurant one night. You write a comment on social media. And suddenly, the Big Corporate lawyers serve you with a lawsuit. You’d be shocked, right? After all, a customer should be able to complain.

The 2019 session of the Texas legislature could prove damaging to public participation and media coverage. Texas legislature is currently considering legislation (House Bill 2730 and Senate Bill 2162) that could facilitate harassing, meritless lawsuits on independent journalism and facilitate using the courts to threaten the public’s right to speak freely on public issues.

Everyday Texans will find themselves on the short end of the stick if legislation filed by a Plano-based state representative becomes law.