MT HB292

Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (anti-SLAPP law) 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 dismissal within 60 days of being served, which automatically stays all discovery and proceedings until the motion is resolved

Requires courts to hold hearings within 60 days and issue rulings within 60 days after hearings; grants defendants an automatic right to appeal any denial of the motion

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

Excludes claims against government units or their employees acting officially, government enforcement actions addressing imminent public health/safety threats, commercial speech related to goods/services sales, and protective order proceedings under Title 40, chapter 15