This bill proposes the adoption of the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act in Nebraska, which aims to safeguard individuals' rights to free speech and public expression in civil actions. It introduces new definitions and provisions that clarify the scope of the Act, including the types of communications it covers and the circumstances under which it applies. Specifically, the Act allows parties to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss causes of action related to public expression, with the court required to rule on such motions within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which a court must dismiss a cause of action and the potential for awarding costs and attorney's fees based on the outcome of these motions.

The bill also includes the outright repeal of several existing sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska that pertain to actions involving public petition and participation, thereby eliminating outdated provisions. It emphasizes the need for uniformity in the application of the law across states that enact similar legislation and ensures that the new Act does not retroactively affect causes of action asserted before its effective date. The bill is designed to take effect immediately upon passage, citing an emergency situation.