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Bill

S 2852

Extends anti-SLAPP protections to complainants of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill expands anti-SLAPP protections to shield sexual assault and harassment complainants from retaliatory lawsuits, lowering barriers to reporting.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2852

Legislative bill overview

S 2852 expands New Jersey's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute to explicitly protect individuals who file complaints alleging sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. Currently, anti-SLAPP protections may not consistently apply to complainants in these contexts. The bill aims to ensure that people making such complaints cannot be intimidated through frivolous lawsuits.

Why is this important

Sexual assault and harassment survivors often face countersuits or defamation claims designed to silence them—a tactic that can be more costly to defend than the original complaint itself. This bill provides explicit legal protection and a faster dismissal process for these complaints, potentially increasing reporting by removing fear of retaliation. It aligns with broader efforts to remove barriers to accountability in workplace and institutional settings.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment balance: Defendants may argue the bill restricts legitimate defamation suits and their right to defend their reputation against false accusations
  • Definition scope: The bill's application may depend on how "sexual assault," "harassment," and "discrimination" are defined—ambiguity could lead to conflicting court interpretations
  • Burden on defendants: Respondents might face dismissal motions that delay resolution even if complaints are eventually unfounded, raising concerns about abuse of the protection mechanism

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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