The proposed bill, known as the "South Carolina Public Expression Protection Act," aims to establish legal protections for individuals asserting causes of action based on their communications in various governmental proceedings or regarding matters of public concern. It introduces a new article to Chapter 3, Title 15 of the South Carolina Code, defining key terms such as "governmental unit" and "person," and outlines the circumstances under which the act applies. Notably, the act does not extend to actions against governmental units or their employees acting in an official capacity, nor does it apply to enforcement actions related to imminent threats to public health or safety.

The bill also sets forth procedural requirements for civil actions, including the ability for parties to file a special motion for expedited relief to dismiss claims within sixty days of being served. It mandates that the court must hear such motions within a specified timeframe and provides for stays of other proceedings during this process. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a party prevails on the motion, they may be awarded court costs and attorney's fees. The act is designed to protect the rights of free speech and assembly as guaranteed by both the U.S. and South Carolina constitutions, and it is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, applying to civil actions filed on or after that date.