State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro receives media award for enacting bill to protect free speech
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, a nonprofit trade association for print and online news media, awarded Bizzarro its 2024 Advocate of the Year award, according to a news release Monday.
The award recognizes Bizzarro's role in helping to enact legislation that protects against frivolous lawsuits targeting individuals or organizations ― including news media outlets ― that speak out on issues of public interest or concern.
Philadelphia attorney Michael Berry, who drafted the legislation, was also awarded the 2024 Advocate of the Year award.
Bizzarro's bill, which became the state's new anti-SLAPP law, will curtail Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs. These lawsuits have been historically used to silence or deter people from sounding a warning against people or organizations that take a position on a matter of public interest.
The new law establishes a mechanism to quickly dismiss SLAPP lawsuits based on protection of free speech through a court motion. If the dismissal motion is granted, defendants may recover legal fees and damages from the lawsuit.
More: Democrat Bizzarro easily wins re-election in 3rd District state House contest
Bizarro, D-3rd, was the prime sponsor of the legislation. The bill passed both the House and Senate with unanimous support and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 17.
'I'm a strong advocate for the First Amendment, and in these uncertain times it is important to preserve our rights to protest and speak up against injustice,' Bizzarro said in the news release. 'I'm glad I could make sure 2024 was the year we finally got this done.'
Bizzarro added it was an honor to be recognized beside Berry.
'He has been the constant in this effort, translating advocacy into action in the Legislature," Bizzarro said. "Mike was there to catch the smallest details and made sure we had an effective bill that both parties and both chambers could agree to. The unanimous votes are proof of that."
Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association President and CEO William Cotter praised Bizzarro and Berry for their efforts.
'We are so appreciative of Rep. Bizzarro and Mike Berry's tireless efforts and support of Pennsylvania's anti-SLAPP law, seeing it across the finish line after more than 10 years of work," he said in the release. 'The new law will have an incredibly positive impact on local journalism statewide and protect freedom of expression for all Pennsylvanians.''
Bizzarro, who was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2013, is serving his seventh two-year term in the 3rd legislative district, which covers Millcreek and Fairview townships.
Bizzarro, 39, is from Millcreek Township.
More: Bizzarro draws line: Pa. Senate must act on public transit plan vital to Erie growth
A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Bizzarro receives media award for efforts to protect free speech
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