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
The bill H.F. No. 1784, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to make government entities financially responsible for legal defense costs when they initiate legal actions against individuals and do not prevail.
Key Provisions:
- Title – The law would be known as the Anti-Lawfare Law.
- Definitions:
- Government entity includes state agencies and municipalities.
- Person excludes government entities.
- Award of Costs:
- If a government entity initiates a lawsuit against an individual and loses, it must reimburse the individual for all related defense costs, including attorney fees.
- Other Remedies:
- This law does not restrict any other legal remedies that may be available.
Purpose:
The bill aims to discourage government entities from filing unsuccessful legal actions against individuals by holding them financially accountable for the defendant's legal expenses.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 02, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provides clarity on what constitutes a 'state agency' for the purpose of assigning liability."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references the definition of a 'state agency' provided under section 13.02, subdivision 17.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.02, subdivision 17"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Incorporates existing statutory definitions for municipalities to delineate entities covered under the new law."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill uses the existing definition of 'municipality' under section 466.01, subdivision 1.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "466.01, subdivision 1"
}
]