In a significant victory for free speech rights in Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds has signed House File 472 into law. The new statute establishes crucial protections for victims of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). This landmark legislation makes Iowa the 38th state to enact anti-SLAPP safeguards, meaning that 75% of states now have enhanced First Amendment protections. Iowa joins a growing national movement to protect citizens from frivolous lawsuits designed to silence public expression.
The path to the governor’s desk was characterized by a strong showing of support for free speech principles where the bill passed unanimously in both chambers. In the House of Representatives, it garnered a final vote of 89-0 and was approved by the Senate, 47-0. This remarkable bipartisan achievement underscores how this reform transcends political divides.
Before this legislation, Iowa was one of a dwindling number of states without anti-SLAPP protections, earning an “F” grade from the Institute for Free Speech in our Anti-SLAPP Report Card. This lack of statutory safeguards left Iowans vulnerable to lawsuits designed to intimidate critics into silence. Defendants in SLAPP cases often suffer tremendous financial and emotional damage due to invasive discovery processes, mandatory court appearances, and mounting attorney fees associated with defending rights protected by the First Amendment.
Under the newly signed law, individuals targeted by potential SLAPP lawsuits can file an anti-SLAPP motion in court, temporarily freezing the case and allowing a judge to quickly dismiss frivolous lawsuits. This early evaluation mechanism prevents the use of lengthy, expensive litigation for intimidation and harassment—a tactic often employed by wealthy and connected individuals or organizations to silence critics.
Governor Reynolds’ signing of HF 472 is the latest positive development in a growing national movement toward greater protections against SLAPPs, as more and more jurisdictions recognize the importance of these essential safeguards. The legislation tracks the Uniform Law Commission’s model Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA), establishing a consistent framework that has already been enacted in almost a dozen states.
The new anti-SLAPP law is not just for journalists or activists, who are often common targets of SLAPP suits—it protects every Iowa citizen’s right to speak freely on matters of public concern. Whether posting an online review, reporting harassment, or speaking at a public meeting, Iowans now have legal protection against retaliatory litigation.
By deterring meritless suits designed to silence speech, Iowa has created an environment where citizens can more confidently participate in public discourse without fear of devastating legal intimidation.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Representative Steven C. Holt and Senator Jeff Reichman for sponsoring this legislation and all the work they have done for several years on it, and to Governor Reynolds for signing it into law. Their leadership and dedication to protecting the First Amendment rights of all Iowans deserve recognition and appreciation.
This achievement represents years of persistent advocacy by attorneys, activists, and organizations who repeatedly gave testimony and worked with lawmakers through several legislative sessions to bring these protections to Iowa. As Iowa joins the growing number of states implementing these vital protections, we celebrate this significant victory for free expression and the continued nationwide momentum toward stronger speech protections for all Americans.
