Bill > HB4045

This bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which aims to protect citizens' rights to participate in public discourse by providing safeguards against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits). The bill allows defendants in civil actions involving communications related to government proceedings, public concerns, or constitutionally protected rights to file a special motion for expedited dismissal within 60 days of being served. If such a motion is filed, all legal proceedings are automatically stayed, and the court must quickly review the case, considering various documentary evidence. The bill requires the court to dismiss the case with prejudice if the defendant can show the action is related to protected speech and the plaintiff cannot establish a prima facie case. Furthermore, the bill provides that if the defendant prevails on the motion, they are entitled to court costs, attorney fees, and litigation expenses, while conversely, if the plaintiff prevails and can prove the motion was frivolous, they may also be awarded similar expenses. The legislation broadly defines eligible causes of action to include communications in governmental proceedings, discussions of public concerns, and exercises of constitutional rights, while specifically excluding certain types of claims such as those related to civil rights, employment discrimination, and other specific legal protections. The bill is designed to be interpreted expansively to protect citizens' fundamental rights to free expression and public participation.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4045