Bill > HB2666

This bill establishes the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act" to safeguard individuals and entities from civil lawsuits that may arise from their protected speech or actions on matters of public concern. It applies to communications made in governmental proceedings, on issues under governmental review, or when exercising constitutional rights like freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, or association, provided these actions are on a matter of public concern. However, it does not apply to lawsuits against government units or their employees acting in an official capacity, nor to actions by government units to enforce laws protecting public health or safety, nor to businesses primarily selling goods or services if the lawsuit relates to those sales. A key provision allows for a special motion to dismiss such lawsuits within sixty days of being served with a complaint, which automatically stays most other legal proceedings, including discovery, until the motion is resolved. The court must hear this motion within sixty days and will dismiss the case if the moving party shows the act applies, the other party fails to show it doesn't, and either the other party cannot establish a basic case or the moving party demonstrates the case is legally flawed or factually unsupported. The bill also mandates awarding costs, attorney fees, and litigation expenses to the prevailing party on the motion, unless the motion itself is found to be frivolous or intended solely for delay. This act is intended to be broadly interpreted to protect free expression and will apply to civil actions filed on or after August 28, 2026.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2666&year=2026&code=R