3352FE91F3CC7723872583E5006FCF70 Hearing Summary

Representatives Cutter and Bird, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1324, concerning motions to dismiss certain civil actions involving constitutional rights.  The sponsors explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding the need for the legislation.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1324:

Mr. Pete Kolbenschlag, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed a suit filed against him for certain comments he had made.

Mr. Steve Zansberg, representing the Colorado Press Association and Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed certain frivolous lawsuits.

Ms. Suzanne Kent, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kent recounted a suit filed against her and some associates, and discussed the need for the bill. Mr. Zansberg responded to questions regarding certain terms in the bill, and how the bill interacts with current law. Discussion ensued regarding laws similar to HB 19-1324 in other states, and how the bill will operate in a court of law.

Mr. Jeremy Smith, representing the Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in support of the bill. He discussed some lawsuits that he has litigated.

Mr. Christopher Cleary, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Cleary discussed a censorious lawsuit filed against him.

Ms. Helen Griffiths, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the impact of SLAPP suits.

Mr. Eric Sutherland, representing himself, testified in support of HB 19-1324. Mr. Sutherland discussed a lawsuit filed against him, and addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.

Ms. Karen Kalavity, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed a lawsuit filed against her family.

Ms. Leslie Weise, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Weise discussed an intimidation campaign launched against her. Mr. Sutherland responded to questions regarding concerns he raised about the bill.

Mr. Phillip Doe, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed threats of lawsuits leveled at him and a nonprofit organization he founded.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. No amendments were offered to HB 19-1324. The committee and sponsors discussed the merits of the bill.