Enact the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

HB 637 amends Ohio's Public Expression Protection Act to strengthen legal safeguards for individuals communicating on matters of public concern. The bill defines specific legal terms and clarifies which court orders are immediately appealable to prevent delays in protecting free speech rights. It establishes a mandatory expedited process that requires courts to pause most legal proceedings, such as discovery and hearings, for up to 60 days while a claimant argues that a lawsuit violates their free speech or press rights. However, the law excludes lawsuits against government officials acting in their official capacity and cases involving the sale of goods or services. Additionally, the bill allows courts to grant limited exceptions for urgent threats to public health or safety and permits limited discovery if specific information is needed to prove the free speech claim.