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The Free Speech Protection Act establishes a federal procedure for quickly dismissing strategic lawsuits against public participation, commonly known as SLAPPs, which are meritless lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate people engaged in constitutionally protected speech. The bill allows defendants to file a special motion to dismiss within 60 days of being sued, and requires courts to rule on these motions within 90 days, while staying most related proceedings during this period. If a defendant prevails on the motion, they can recover attorney's fees and costs from the plaintiff, unless the court finds special circumstances making such an award unjust. The law includes exceptions for certain types of claims, such as those involving commercial disputes, government officials acting in official capacity, employment disputes, and securities violations, though these exceptions do not apply to claims against journalists, publishers, and artists. The bill takes effect upon enactment and applies to all SLAPP dismissal motions filed after that date.

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