2015 House Bill 4585

Authorize a state “free speech defense act”

Introduced in the House

May 12, 2015

Introduced by Rep. Thomas Hooker (R-77)

To adopt a “free speech defense act” that would prohibit Michigan courts from enforcing a libel judgement issued by a court in a county that does not practice specified due process safeguards, or that upholds a cause deemed “repugnant to the public policy of this state.” Similar laws adopted by other states are seen as a response to so-called “libel tourism,” and in particular to perceived Islamicist persecution.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Sept. 17, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Education