Loading chat...

OH HB441

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

9/9/2025

Primary Sponsor

Brian Stewart

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

136th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Amends Ohio Revised Code section 2305.11 to clarify that the one-year statute of limitations for libel begins on the date of publication, regardless of when the aggrieved party discovered or should have discovered the libelous matter
  • Establishes that the one-year statute of limitations for slander begins when the slanderous words were spoken, regardless of when the aggrieved party learned of them
  • Codifies the "single publication rule" for libel, specifying that each separate publication of libelous matter triggers a new one-year limitations period
  • Eliminates any "discovery rule" exception for defamation claims, requiring plaintiffs to file suit within one year of the defamatory act itself rather than from when they became aware of it
  • Sponsored by Representatives Stewart, Mathews, and Williams in the 136th General Assembly (2025-2026 session)

Legislative Description

Regards the one-year limitations period for libel or slander

Courts and Civil Law : Civil Law

Last Action

Referred to committee: Judiciary

9/15/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary9/15/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available