RCFP urges Michigan lawmakers to pass anti-SLAPP bill

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is urging Michigan lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow courts to quickly dismiss frivolous lawsuits designed to chill speech about matters of public interest.

In a letter sent to state Senate leaders on Dec. 9, 2025, the Reporters Committee expressed strong support for House Bill 4045, which would make it harder for powerful parties to intimidate or punish speech through strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPPs. The legislation, which largely mirrors the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, would help courts weed out meritless lawsuits before defendants incur significant legal fees. 

Michigan is currently one of only 12 states that does not have an anti-SLAPP statute, making this proposed measure necessary to fill the gaps left by the state’s general law prohibiting frivolous lawsuits.

“Unflinching journalism is essential to hold powerful public figures and officials to account,” the Reporters Committee argues. “Such vital news reporting depends upon journalists’ ability to identify, investigate, and report stories without fear that the subjects of their reporting will target them or their newsroom with costly, meritless litigation.”