This bill establishes legal protections for communications regarding incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, creating a framework for expedited relief in related defamation actions. It defines key terms such as "communication," "cyber sexual bullying," and "sexual harassment," and specifies that communications made by individuals with a reasonable basis to file a complaint are not liable for libel or slander if made without malice. The bill allows defendants in such cases to seek expedited review of defamation claims and entitles prevailing defendants to recover attorney fees, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and other legal relief.
Additionally, the bill outlines a process for filing a special motion for expedited relief within 60 days of being served with a relevant cause of action, which stays all other proceedings between the parties. The court is required to hold a hearing on the motion within 60 days, and it may allow limited discovery during a stay if necessary. The bill also stipulates that a cause of action may be dismissed with prejudice if the responding party fails to establish a prima facie case or if the moving party demonstrates that the responding party has not stated a valid cause of action. Furthermore, the court may award costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party in these motions.