SF3317 - Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

• Enacts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to protect civil defendants based on speech, assembly, petition, and constitutional rights on matters of public concern, repealing previous Minnesota Statutes sections 554.01-554.06

• Allows defendants to file a special motion for expedited relief within 60 days of service to dismiss causes of action related to protected public expression, with discovery and proceedings automatically stayed pending the motion's resolution

• Requires courts to dismiss claims if the defendant establishes the act involves protected speech or public participation, unless the plaintiff proves a prima facie case or the defendant failed to state a valid cause of action

• Exempts certain causes of action from the act's protections, including actions against governmental units, real property disputes, bodily injury claims, insurance matters, fraud, consumer protection violations, and federal law claims

• Awards court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party on the motion, with fees available to the responding party only if the motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay proceedings