An Act relative to strategic litigation against public participation

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect individuals and organizations from lawsuits intended to discourage their participation in public debates. It creates a legal mechanism allowing defendants to file a special motion to dismiss cases that target their First Amendment rights, such as free speech or the right to petition. To succeed in dismissing such a case, the plaintiff must provide strong evidence that their claim has a high probability of winning, and if the motion is granted, the defendant can recover legal fees and costs. The protections apply to both private citizens and government entities, though they do not cover claims against government officials acting in their official capacity.