FL H0991

Removes journalist's privilege protections for defamation claims when the defendant is a professional journalist or media entity.

Restricts plaintiffs to one choice of venue for defamation or privacy tort claims, with damages recoverable in all jurisdictions through that single action.

Awards reasonable attorney fees and costs to prevailing plaintiffs in defamation or privacy tort cases, excluding fee-shifting provisions that normally apply.

Establishes that persons cannot be deemed public figures based solely on defending themselves against accusations, granting interviews, non-elected public employment, or posting viral internet content.

Presumes statements from anonymous sources are false in defamation actions and allows plaintiffs to prove negligence alone if defendants refuse to identify sources; provides statutory damages of at least $35,000 for discrimination-related allegations.