Title
Authorizing the Committee on Rules to hold hearings examining the challenges faced by Registered Community Organizations from abusive lawsuits commonly known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, discussing solutions thereof, including examining means of holding abusive litigants accountable, and authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the production of relevant witnesses and documents.
Body
WHEREAS, Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) are vital to community engagement through the development process in the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Representatives of RCOs across the City have expressed concerns that they are at risk of being targeted by developers over land-use disputes through abusive and frivolous lawsuits, commonly known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits, aimed at forcing the RCOs and the board members of RCOs to spend large amounts of money to defend themselves against baseless claims; and
WHEREAS, It appears that as a result of irresponsible SLAPP suits, several RCOs have had difficulty obtaining Directors and Officers Insurance coverage either because the lawsuits have driven premiums too high or simply made policies unavailable; and
WHEREAS, When RCOs can find an insurance provider, they are often forced to take high-cost insurance coverage the likes of which are provided to companies that sell fireworks, operate helicopter bungee jumps, and trampoline facilities; and
WHEREAS, Because Registered Community Organizations are not required to carry Directors and Officers Liability Insurance, the City of Philadelphia does not know how many groups are operating without insurance; and
WHEREAS, The complete or near dissolution of community organizations like those in Old City, Fishtown, and Bella Vista due to SLAPP suits, and the threat of suits against other RCOs, places communities at a disadvantage in the zoning and development process by stripping away and dimin...
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