The proposed bill enacts the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act" in New Mexico, aimed at safeguarding residents' rights to engage in First Amendment activities. It addresses the issue of baseless civil lawsuits that can deter public participation in democratic processes by allowing for prompt dismissal of such claims. The Act outlines the scope of its application, which includes communications in governmental proceedings and matters of public concern, while also specifying exceptions for governmental entities and certain business communications.
Key provisions of the Act include the ability for parties to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss claims, a stay of proceedings during the motion process, and a requirement for courts to rule on these motions within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the Act mandates that costs and attorney fees be awarded to the prevailing party in these motions. The bill also emphasizes the need for uniform application across states and clarifies that it applies to civil actions filed after its effective date of July 1, 2025, while repealing previous related statutes.