Bill > HB1476

This bill, titled the "Freedom of Speech Protection Act," aims to safeguard free speech rights by establishing a process for quickly dismissing civil lawsuits that may infringe upon these rights. It defines key terms like "goods or services" (excluding creative works) and "governmental unit" (public entities), and applies to actions based on communications in governmental proceedings or on matters of public concern, as well as the exercise of constitutional rights like freedom of speech. However, it explicitly excludes actions against governmental units or their employees acting officially, or against businesses selling goods or services if the lawsuit relates to those sales. The act introduces a "special motion for expedited relief" that, if filed within 60 days of a lawsuit, can stay other legal proceedings and lead to the dismissal of the case if the moving party demonstrates the act applies and the other party fails to establish a valid claim or defense. The court must rule on these motions within strict timelines, and the losing party in such a motion may be required to pay court costs, attorney's fees, and litigation expenses. The bill also allows for appeals of decisions on these motions and broadly interprets its provisions to protect constitutional speech rights, while also bringing forward an existing law (Section 95-1-5, Mississippi Code of 1972) concerning defamation lawsuits against media outlets, which requires notice before filing and allows for reduced damages if a timely retraction is made.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1476.xml