Bill > HB1268

This bill, known as the Mississippi Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, aims to protect individuals from lawsuits that are intended to silence or intimidate them for speaking out on matters of public concern, often referred to as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). It defines "goods or services" broadly to include creative and promotional works and "governmental unit" as any level of government or its agencies. The act applies to civil actions concerning communications made in government proceedings, on issues being considered by the government, or the exercise of constitutional rights like freedom of speech, press, assembly, or petition on matters of public concern, with exceptions for actions against government entities or employees enforcing laws to protect public health and safety, and for businesses selling goods or services related to their core business. If a lawsuit falls under this act, the defendant can file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss the case, which triggers a stay on all other legal proceedings until the motion is decided. The court must hear such motions promptly, typically within 60 days, and will dismiss the case if the defendant can show the act applies and the plaintiff fails to present a strong initial case or if the defendant is otherwise entitled to judgment. Parties can appeal the denial of such a motion, and the prevailing party on the motion may be awarded court costs, attorney fees, and litigation expenses, with the losing party potentially facing these costs if the motion is deemed frivolous. The act is intended to be interpreted broadly to protect free speech and will take effect for civil actions filed on or after July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1268.xml