Hometown Properties, Inc. v. Fleming

OPINION

LEDERBERG, Justice.

In this case we construe for the first time the provisions of G.L.1956 chapter 33 of title 9, as enacted by P.L.1993, chs. 354, 448, an act entitled “Limits on Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation” (the anti-SLAPP statute or the act). The plaintiffs, Hometown Properties, Inc., Homevest, Inc., Charles H. Gifford, III, Michael L. Baker, and Edward B. Mancini (collectively referred to as “Hometown” or “plaintiffs”) brought suit against Nancy Hsu Fleming (Fleming or defendant), claiming that Fleming’s communications with various state and federal…