Bill > S1325

This bill proposes to establish the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act in Idaho. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining the scope of the act, which applies to certain causes of action against individuals based on their communication in governmental proceedings, on matters of public concern, or their exercise of free speech and other constitutional rights. The act does not apply to actions against governmental entities or primarily commercial entities. 2. Allowing a party to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss a cause of action covered by the act within 60 days of being served. This triggers an automatic stay of other proceedings between the parties. 3. Establishing procedures for the court to hear and rule on the special motion, including considering evidence that could be used for a summary judgment motion. 4. Requiring the court to dismiss the cause of action if the moving party shows the act applies and the responding party fails to establish a prima facie case or that there is no genuine issue of material fact. 5. Allowing the moving party to appeal an order denying the special motion, and providing for the award of costs, attorney's fees, and expenses to the prevailing party. 6. Stating that the act should be broadly construed to protect constitutional rights and that it applies to civil actions filed on or after January 1, 2025.

Justice

Judiciary and Rules Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/S1325/