The proposed bill, known as the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act," aims to safeguard individuals from lawsuits that may deter them from exercising their rights to free expression and participation in government. It establishes a public policy in Michigan that promotes citizens' rights to engage in governmental processes and protects them from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits). The bill introduces provisions for expedited judicial review of eligible causes of action, which include communications made in governmental proceedings and the exercise of constitutional rights related to public concerns.

Key features of the bill include the ability for defendants to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss such lawsuits, with a stay on discovery and other proceedings during the review process. The court is required to rule on these motions within a specified timeframe, and if the moving party prevails, they are entitled to recover costs and attorney fees. The act also clarifies that certain actions, such as those involving governmental units or specific civil rights violations, are excluded from its protections. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that the rights to free speech and public participation are robustly defended in Michigan.