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HB 650·MD·house

Civil Actions - Maryland Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

FailedFiled Jan 30, 2026
Sponsor: Rosenberg
Latest Action

Hearing (House)

Feb 25, 2026

Summary

The bill removes the existing definition of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) from Maryland law and creates a new “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act.” It lets anyone sued for speaking on a governmental proceeding or exercising constitutional rights file a special motion within 60 days to have the claim dismissed, staying the case while the motion is decided. The goal is to protect free speech and reduce litigation used to chill public expression.

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Hearings

History

  1. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
  2. First Reading Judiciary

Sponsors

  • Rosenberg · sponsor
  • Cardin
  • Embry
  • Phillips
  • Schmidt
  • Stinnett
  • Williams

Bill text

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