WILMINGTON — Governor Matt Meyer has signed two new laws focused on protecting free speech rights and keeping government accountable. Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 119, signed Monday, aim to ensure Delawareans can speak freely without fear of costly lawsuits and that public libraries remain open to all viewpoints. “Freedom of expression and access to diverse ideas are the bedrock of a strong democracy,” Governor Meyer said.
“These bills protect Delawareans’ voices, whether it is standing up to powerful interests or ensuring our libraries remain places where every child can explore, learn, and see themselves reflected in the stories they read.”
House Bill 119, known as the Freedom to Read Act, was sponsored by Representative Krista Griffith and Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman. The law prevents books and resources from being pulled from public or school libraries based on an author’s background or because of political or religious objections. It also creates a clear process for reviewing complaints while keeping materials available until a decision is made.
Senate Bill 80, sponsored by Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and Representative Frank Burns, strengthens protections against “SLAPP” lawsuits, which are often used to silence people speaking out on public issues. Delaware’s old anti-SLAPP law was rated poorly for offering little protection. The new measure adopts a national standard that has already been put in place by more than a dozen states.
Supporters of the bill said it ensures Delawareans cannot be bullied into silence with lawsuits designed to drain their money and time. Representative Burns said, “These frivolous lawsuits can ruin someone’s life, costing them time and money, and even putting them in bankruptcy, all for exercising their First Amendment rights. This is unacceptable.”
With both laws now signed, Delaware has moved to expand protections for free speech while also setting guidelines to keep libraries open to all citizens.
