S.F. No. 3974 Summary

• Creates a new cause of action allowing defendants to file a motion to dismiss claims arising from acts involving petition rights or free speech on public issues under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution.

• Requires courts to dismiss such claims unless the responding party establishes a probability of prevailing, based on review of pleadings and affidavits.

• Mandates courts schedule hearings on dismissal motions within 30 days and automatically stays all discovery proceedings until the motion is ruled upon, though courts may order limited discovery for good cause.

• Excludes enforcement actions brought by the attorney general, district attorney, or city attorney acting as public prosecutors from this protection.

• Repeals existing Minnesota Statutes sections 554.02 and 554.045, which previously provided broader protections for citizens participating in government and allowed actions against federal court claims related to public participation.