MD SB251

Replaces Maryland's existing SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute with the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, creating a standardized framework to protect individuals from lawsuits targeting their exercise of free speech, press, assembly, petition, or association rights on matters of public concern.

Allows defendants to file a special motion for expedited relief within 60 days of being served with a lawsuit based on their protected communications in governmental proceedings or exercise of constitutional rights.

Automatically stays all proceedings, including discovery, when a special motion is filed; courts must hear the motion within 60 days and rule within 60 days after the hearing.

Requires courts to award court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and litigation expenses to the moving party if they prevail; responding parties may recover fees only if the motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay proceedings.

Excludes from coverage: lawsuits against or by governmental units acting officially, government enforcement actions protecting against imminent public health/safety threats, and commercial disputes against businesses related to their goods or services sales.