Minnesota Session Laws - 1997, Regular Session

                            CHAPTER 209-S.F.No. 848 
                  An act relating to civil actions; creating a state 
                  court action for relief for damages caused by a 
                  federal court action that affects public participation 
                  by the plaintiff; proposing coding for new law in 
                  Minnesota Statutes, chapter 554. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  [554.045] [ACTION IN DISTRICT COURT.] 
           A person may bring an action under this section in state 
        district court against a respondent who has brought a claim in 
        federal court that materially relates to public participation by 
        the person.  If the person demonstrates that the respondent's 
        action in federal court was brought for the purpose of 
        harassment, to inhibit the person's public participation, to 
        interfere with the person's exercise of protected constitutional 
        rights, or otherwise wrongfully injure the person, the court 
        shall award the person actual damages and reasonable attorney 
        fees and costs.  The court may award the person punitive damages 
        under section 549.20. 
           Presented to the governor May 20, 1997 
           Signed by the governor May 22, 1997, 12:11 p.m.