Bill > SB0057

This bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which aims to protect citizens from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) that could discourage people from exercising their constitutional rights to free speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government. The act provides a mechanism for defendants to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target their constitutionally protected expressions on matters of public concern. When a defendant files a motion to dismiss, all legal proceedings are automatically stayed, and the court must hold a hearing within 60 days to determine if the lawsuit should be dismissed. The burden is initially on the defendant to show the lawsuit involves an eligible cause of action related to public expression, and then shifts to the plaintiff to prove the lawsuit has merit. If the defendant prevails, they are entitled to recover court costs and attorney fees, and if the court finds the lawsuit was frivolous, the plaintiff may be required to pay the defendant's legal expenses. The bill applies to civil actions filed on or after its effective date and is intended to be broadly interpreted to protect citizens' rights to participate vigorously in public discourse without fear of retaliatory litigation.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0057