DE SB80

Adopts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (Chapter 60), providing a procedural mechanism for defendants to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target constitutionally protected speech, petition, assembly, or association rights on matters of public concern

Creates a special motion for expedited relief that must be filed within 60 days of being served; if filed, all proceedings including discovery are automatically stayed until the motion is resolved

Requires courts to dismiss the cause of action if the moving party shows the law applies and the responding party fails to establish a prima facie case for each essential element of their claim

Mandates that prevailing moving parties receive court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and litigation expenses; allows punitive damages if the lawsuit was filed to harass or maliciously inhibit free expression rights

Repeals existing Delaware anti-SLAPP provisions (§§ 8136-8138), which were narrower in scope and limited primarily to actions involving public permit applicants, replacing them with broader constitutional protections