Why do we need this bill?

That’s the key question a bill sponsor must answer.

It’s one thing that hasn’t changed during my 34 years in the legislature.

This afternoon, we were discussing my SLAPP bill draft.

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, for example, try to intimidate the little guy from participating in public debate over zoning issues.

They are also used in response to investigative journalism.

My SLAPP bills have a better history in the House of Delegates than they do in the State Senate.

“But don’t assume that at the House hearing we won’t have to explain why we need to improve our SLAPP law with this bill,” I said today.

“Answering that question is a given.”