Oppose Harmful Lies Under the Guise of Free Speech

I urge you to oppose SB503 (Henderson), HB1092 (Keithley), SB352 (Trent), and HB83 (Veit), the so-called “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act,” a bill that dangerously undermines accountability, stifles justice, and shields bad actors under the guise of protecting free speech. While the First Amendment is sacrosanct, this legislation does not strike a balance—it tilts the scales of justice in favor of those who would weaponize speech to harm others, leaving vulnerable Missourians without recourse. These bills create a legal labyrinth designed to dismiss legitimate claims before victims can even present their case. By forcing courts to prioritize expedited motions to dismiss—and freezing discovery in the process—it denies plaintiffs the evidence necessary to prove defamation, fraud, or harassment. How can someone demonstrate malice or intent without access to facts? These bills effectively gag victims while empowering perpetrators. Worse, they stack the deck against everyday citizens. If a defendant files a motion to dismiss and loses, they face no penalty. But if a plaintiff dares to challenge powerful interests and loses, they could be bankrupted by mandatory attorneys’ fees. This chilling financial risk will silence victims of slander, scams, or threats, particularly those without deep pockets. Justice should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. The exemptions for government entities do little to protect the public. Private individuals, small businesses, and advocacy groups will bear the brunt of this law, as corporations and malicious actors exploit broad terms like “public concern” to evade responsibility. Imagine a business falsely disparaging a competitor, or an individual spreading dangerous misinformation—these bills grant them immunity, leaving victims powerless. Moreover, the automatic stay on proceedings and prolonged appeals process drags out litigation, compounding emotional and financial strain on plaintiffs. Justice delayed is justice denied. Missouri’s courts already have tools to dismiss frivolous lawsuits. These bills go far beyond combating “SLAPPs”—they erode access to justice for all. We cannot allow the right to free speech to become a license to lie, defame, or intimidate with impunity. I urge you to reject these bills. Protect Missourians’ right to seek redress, safeguard the integrity of our courts, and ensure that the powerful are not handed a legal shield to silence the truth.