West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act safeguards free speech and petition rights against meritless lawsuits.

The West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act aims to protect individuals' rights to free speech, petition, and association on matters of public concern from meritless lawsuits. It applies to digital or online expression, consumer commentary, and information gathering for expressive works. The Act allows defendants to file a special motion to dismiss claims within 60 days, which automatically stays proceedings. The court must rule on the motion within 75 days. The Act also provides for attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions for bad faith actions.

West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act safeguards free speech and petition rights against meritless lawsuits.

The West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act aims to protect individuals' rights to free speech, petition, and association on matters of public concern from meritless lawsuits. It applies to digital or online expression, consumer commentary, and information gathering for expressive works. The Act allows defendants to file a special motion to dismiss claims within 60 days, which automatically stays proceedings. The court must rule on the motion within 75 days. The Act also provides for attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions for bad faith actions.