SD SB137

Creates a special motion to dismiss lawsuits targeting a person's "protected public expression," including communications in government proceedings and exercise of free speech, press, assembly, petition, or association rights on matters of public concern

Requires the motion to be filed within 60 days of being served; filing automatically stays all proceedings and discovery until the court rules and any appeal concludes

Courts must hear the motion within 60 days of filing and rule within 60 days of the hearing; denied motions may be appealed as a matter of right within 30 days

Prevailing defendants receive mandatory awards of court costs, attorney fees, and litigation expenses; plaintiffs only recover these costs if the motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay

Excludes lawsuits against government entities acting officially, government enforcement actions protecting public health/safety, and commercial disputes over goods or services (though artistic, journalistic, and political works remain protected)