H3305

SC Public Expression Protection Act

Chamber Passed·3/26/25

Establishes the South Carolina Public Expression Protection Act to safeguard against SLAPP lawsuits.

The South Carolina Public Expression Protection Act aims to protect individuals and entities from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). It applies to civil actions based on certain communications, such as those in governmental proceedings or related to constitutional rights. The act mandates that courts stay other proceedings when a special motion is filed, allowing limited discovery under specific conditions. It also requires courts to rule on these motions within a certain timeframe and awards costs and fees to prevailing parties under certain circumstances.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 112–0 · Mar 26, 2025
Current
The Senate
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

House: Passage Of Bill

112 Yea

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0 Nay

6 Not Voting

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4 Absent

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Calendar

Apr 29, 2025

12:15 PM

Senate Full Judiciary Committee on 428, 455, 3058, 3222, 3305, 3569, 3571, 3910, 4160

Apr 23, 2025

9:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on 3222, 3305, 3571, 3910, 4160

History

May 1, 2025

Senate

Committee Amendment Adopted

May 1, 2025

Senate

Read second time

Apr 29, 2025

Senate

Committee report: Favorable with amendment Judiciary