Source: https://dcslapplaw.com/2011/03/31/antislappact2011/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 18:01:02+00:00

Document:
The “Anti-SLAPP Act of 2010,” which was signed by Mayor Vincent Gray on January 19, 2011, became effective today.
As enacted, the DC anti-SLAPP statute allows a party to file a special motion to dismiss any claim arising from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest within 45 days after service of the claim. § 16-5502(a).
The filing of the special motion to dismiss stays discovery unless the court finds, and orders, that targeted discovery will enable the plaintiff to defeat the motion and that discovery would not be unduly burdensome. DC Code § 16-5502(c). The order may be conditioned on the plaintiff paying any expenses incurred by the defendant in responding to such discovery. Id.
If the party filing a special motion to dismiss under § 16-5502 makes a prima facie showing that the claim at issue arises from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest, then the motion shall be granted unless the responding party demonstrates that the claim is likely to succeed on the merits, in which case the motion shall be denied. DC Code § 16-5502(b).
(B) Any other expression or expressive conduct that involves petitioning the government or communicating views to members of the public in connection with an issue of public interest. DC Code § 16-5501(1).
The same code section defines “issue of public interest” to mean “an issue related to health or safety; environmental, economic, or community well-being; the District government; a public figure; or a good, product, or service in the market place. The term “issue of public interest” shall not be construed to include private interests, such as statements directed primarily toward protecting the speaker’s commercial interests rather than toward commenting on or sharing information about a matter of public significance. DC Code § 16-5501(3).
The court shall hold an expedited hearing on the special motion to dismiss, and issue a ruling as soon as practicable after the hearing. If the special motion to dismiss is granted, dismissal shall be with prejudice. DC Code § 16-5502(d). If the party filing a special motion to dismiss prevails, the court may award the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees. DC Code 16-5504(a). If the motion is denied, the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the responding party only if it finds that the motion was frivolous or is solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Id. at § 16-5504(b).
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