A bill for an act creating a special motion for expedited relief in actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and of the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 472.)

Iowa House Study Bill 116 (HSB116), later renumbered as House File 472 (HF472), establishes a legal procedure allowing individuals to quickly dismiss lawsuits that challenge their rights to free speech, press, assembly, petition, and association. Under this law, if someone is sued for exercising these rights on matters of public concern, they can file a special motion within 60 days to have the case dismissed. During this period, all other court proceedings are paused. If the court grants the motion, the defendant is awarded attorney fees. The law applies to speech on public issues but excludes government-initiated lawsuits and business advertisements. HF472 was signed into law by the Governor on May 19, 2025, and became effective on July 1, 2025.

Supporters of HF472 argue that the law provides essential protection for individuals and organizations against frivolous lawsuits that aim to suppress free speech and public participation. By enabling swift dismissal of such cases, the law is seen as a safeguard for First Amendment rights, encouraging open discourse on public matters without the fear of costly legal battles.

Critics of HF472 express concern that the law could be misused to dismiss legitimate lawsuits, potentially allowing harmful or defamatory speech to go unchallenged. They worry that the expedited dismissal process might favor defendants unduly, making it more difficult for plaintiffs to seek redress in cases where speech causes real harm.