Maine’s new anti-SLAPP law, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA)

Maine has strengthened protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) with the adoption of the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA), effective January 1, 2025. Replacing Maine’s older, more limited anti-SLAPP statute, UPEPA broadens protections beyond petitioning the government to include free speech, the press, assembly, and association on matters of public concern. This change closes a significant gap in prior law, ensuring that all Maine people—including journalists and news organizations—are better protected against meritless lawsuits aimed at suppressing public discourse.

UPEPA also establishes clearer legal standards for dismissing SLAPP suits, shifts the burden to plaintiffs to prove valid claims, and mandates attorney’s fee awards for successful defendants. Additionally, the law allows for interlocutory appeals, enabling early challenges to unfavorable rulings, and is designed to apply in federal court. These reforms align Maine with a growing number of states adopting stronger anti-SLAPP protections, reinforcing the rights of individuals, journalists, and advocacy groups to speak freely without fear of retaliatory litigation.

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