Governor Matt Meyer Signs Pro-Free Speech Legislation

Both bills were signed at the Joseph Johnson School in Wilmington

WILMINGTON - Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed two bills, Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 119, strengthening free speech protections in Delaware and ensuring free access to books and other library materials in public and school libraries.

"Freedom of expression and access to diverse ideas are the bedrock of a strong democracy," said Governor Matt Meyer. "These bills protect Delawareans' voices - whether it's standing up to powerful interests or ensuring our libraries remain places where every child can explore, learn, and see themselves reflected in the stories they read. These laws will help us raise a generation of critical thinkers and empathetic leaders, because our communities are stronger when we engage with ideas, not erase them."

House Bill 119, sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith and Sen. Elizabeth "Tizzy" Lockman, ensures that books and resources cannot be removed or banned from public and school libraries based on the author's background or because of partisan, ideological, or religious objections. The bill also sets up a clear, fair process for reviewing complaints about library materials, keeping items under review available until that review is complete. Similarly, school libraries must follow a uniform objection process with clear timelines, keeping materials accessible during review. Appeals to review decisions can be made to a new statewide School Library Review Committee created by this bill.

"Libraries have always been a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, or belief, can freely explore ideas and access information. Unfortunately, over the past several years, we've seen a rise in attempts to remove books and censor content nationally simply because they present perspectives that some may disagree with," said Rep. Krista Griffith. "The Freedom to Read Act is a balanced approach that allows community members to raise concerns through a clear and respectful process, while making sure books aren't pulled from shelves just because someone disagrees with the views they contain."

"For centuries, books have been a powerful tool of expression," said Sen. Tizzy Lockman. "Libraries are important to our communities because they serve as a vessel and powerful outlet for this expression. The censorship we are seeing in federal initiatives aims to erase history and silence the diversity of opinion, and we must protect the rights of the future generations. With the passage of HB 119, we are ensuring these essential tools and freedom to engage with the material of their choice is available for them."

Senate Bill 80, sponsored by Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos and Rep. Frank Burns, adopts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) to strengthen protections against lawsuits meant to intimidate or silence people by burdening them with costly legal battles. Strategic lawsuits against public participation, also known as "SLAPPs," often appear as defamation, privacy, or nuisance claims but are really aimed at stopping constitutionally protected speech. The model law, written by the Uniform Law Commission, replaces Delaware's previous anti-SLAPP law, which the Institute for Free Speech rated a 'D-' for its lack of protections. The UPEPA has been adopted in 13 other states and is pending in several more.

"State government is only effective when constituents remain informed, engaged, and are able to participate in the political process," said Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos. "By combatting SLAPPs, we are continuing to protect the First Amendment rights of all Delawareans and preserving the democratic process during this critical time in our nation's history when we need it the most."

"The most equitable systems are ones that celebrate freedom of speech, not stamp it out," said Rep. Frank Burns. "SLAPP lawsuits have been used to silence individuals trying to exercise their right to speak up for what they believe in, whether or not they did so in a public space. These frivolous lawsuits can ruin someone's life, costing them time and money, and even putting them in bankruptcy. All for exercising their first amendment rights. This is unacceptable, and I am proud to have sponsored this legislation which further protects the brave individuals who speak up for what they believe in."

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email [email protected].