MI HB4045

Enacts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to protect citizens from retaliatory "SLAPP" lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) targeting people who exercise free speech, press, assembly, petition, or association rights

Allows defendants to file a special motion within 60 days to dismiss claims based on protected communications in governmental proceedings or speech on matters of public concern, with automatic stay of discovery and other proceedings

Requires courts to hear dismissal motions within 60 days of filing and rule within 60 days of the hearing; grants defendants an automatic right to appeal denied motions within 21 days

Awards court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and litigation expenses to the prevailing moving party; responding parties only recover costs if the motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay

Excludes from protection: commercial speech by businesses about their goods/services, and claims under civil rights laws (Elliott-Larsen Act, whistleblower protections, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and similar federal and state employment/discrimination statutes)