CT SB00981

Establishes a "special motion to dismiss" procedure for civil actions based on a defendant's exercise of free speech, petition rights, or association rights regarding matters of public concern, effective January 1, 2018

Requires defendants to file the special motion within 30 days of the complaint, with the court staying all discovery upon filing until the motion is ruled on

Mandates an expedited hearing within 60 days, where the court must grant the motion if the defendant shows by preponderance of evidence that the claim targets protected speech, unless the plaintiff demonstrates probable cause of prevailing on the merits

Awards costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party on the special motion; awards fees to the plaintiff if the motion is found frivolous and solely intended to cause delay

Excludes enforcement actions by the Attorney General and does not apply to claims for bodily injury or wrongful death, except for emotional distress claims and defamation claims