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HF1784 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Government entities made liable for defense costs for actions brought by the government entity.

Related bill: SF1922

AI Generated Summary

This bill, titled the "Anti-Lawfare Law," proposes a new section in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 604. It makes government entities (state agencies and municipalities) liable for all defense costs—including fees, disbursements, and attorney fees—incurred by a person if the government entity initiates legal action against them and does not prevail in the case.

The law does not apply to cases where one government entity sues another, as "person" excludes government entities. Additionally, the bill does not limit other legal remedies that may be available to the defendant.

The bill is aimed at discouraging government entities from bringing unsuccessful lawsuits against individuals by holding them financially responsible for defense costs when they lose.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines state agency for the purposes of the AntiLawfare Law.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines municipality for the purposes of the AntiLawfare Law.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "466.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

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