Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act aims to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits).

The Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act allows defendants in civil actions based on their public expression to file a special motion to dismiss the suit if it meets certain criteria. The act defines a SLAPP suit as a lawsuit brought in bad faith against someone who has exercised their First Amendment rights. If the court finds the suit to be a SLAPP, it can stay all proceedings and award costs and attorney's fees to the defendant. The act applies only to suits arising after its effective date, which is October 1, 2026.

Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act aims to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits).

The Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act allows defendants in civil actions based on their public expression to file a special motion to dismiss the suit if it meets certain criteria. The act defines a SLAPP suit as a lawsuit brought in bad faith against someone who has exercised their First Amendment rights. If the court finds the suit to be a SLAPP, it can stay all proceedings and award costs and attorney's fees to the defendant. The act applies only to suits arising after its effective date, which is October 1, 2026.