Bill > HB292

This bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which creates a legal mechanism to provide expedited protection for individuals' constitutional rights to free speech, press, assembly, and association. The act allows a person who is sued for exercising these rights to file a special motion for quick dismissal of a civil action within 60 days of being served. If such a motion is filed, most legal proceedings are automatically stayed (paused), and the court must hold a hearing within 60 days to determine whether the lawsuit should be dismissed. To successfully dismiss the case, the person filing the motion must show that their action falls under protected speech (such as communications in government proceedings or on matters of public concern) and the other party cannot prove an exception applies. If the motion is granted, the court must dismiss the case and award the moving party their court costs and attorney fees. Conversely, if the motion is found to be frivolous, the responding party may be awarded their costs. The bill is designed to be broadly interpreted to protect constitutional free expression rights and applies to civil actions filed on or after its effective date, with specific exclusions for government actions and certain commercial communications.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2032