Bill > SB251

This bill, titled the Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, repeals existing provisions related to "SLAPP suits" (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), which are lawsuits brought in bad faith to silence individuals or groups exercising their rights to speak out on matters of public concern or participate in government proceedings. Instead, it establishes a new process allowing a person sued for their communication related to a governmental proceeding or the exercise of constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or petition, to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss the lawsuit. This new act applies to civil actions where a person's communication is related to legislative, executive, judicial, or administrative proceedings, or on issues under consideration in such proceedings, or the exercise of fundamental rights on matters of public concern, with certain exceptions for actions against government entities or to enforce laws protecting public health and safety, and for businesses selling goods or services. If such a motion is filed, other court proceedings are generally paused (stayed) until the motion is decided, and the court must hear the motion within 60 days, unless good cause is shown for a delay. The court will dismiss the lawsuit if the person being sued can show the act applies and the other party fails to establish a valid legal case or a genuine issue of material fact. If the person filing the motion wins, they are entitled to recover court costs, attorney's fees, and litigation expenses, while the other party may be awarded these costs if the motion is found to be frivolous or intended to cause delay. The bill also specifies that appeals of decisions on these motions must be filed within 21 days and that the act will apply only to causes of action arising on or after its effective date of October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0251?ys=2026RS