Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

The Uniform Public Expression Protection Act governs civil claims that target a person's exercise of expressive rights, giving defendants a procedural path to have such claims resolved early rather than through full litigation. A party may file a special motion for expedited relief, which stays other proceedings while the court holds a hearing, applies a defined burden-shifting standard of proof, and dismisses the cause of action in whole or in part where the standard is not met. The act also provides for immediate appeal of the ruling and for an award of costs, attorney fees, and expenses, and directs that its provisions be construed and applied uniformly among the states that adopt it.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.