H.B. No. 637 Summary

• Enacts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to provide expedited dismissal procedures for civil actions based on protected speech, including communications in government proceedings and constitutional rights to free speech, press, assembly, petition, and association.

• Allows defendants to file a motion for expedited relief within 60 days of service to dismiss claims arising from protected speech, with courts required to conduct hearings within 60 days and rule within 60 days after the hearing.

• Requires courts to dismiss claims with prejudice if the defendant establishes the action is based on protected speech and the plaintiff fails to prove an applicable exception (such as enforcement actions or commercial speech claims) or fails to establish a prima facie case.

• Authorizes courts to award reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and litigation expenses to the prevailing party, and allows interlocutory appeal of denied expedited relief motions within 30 days.

• Exempts from the Act legal actions against governmental units, enforcement actions protecting public health or safety, and actions against businesses primarily engaged in selling or leasing goods or services based on commercial communications.