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RI H7206
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Julie Casimiro
Click for details
AI Summary
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Creates an affirmative defense to defamation lawsuits for individuals who communicate about incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination they experienced, provided the communication was made without malice or gross negligence
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Covers communications about sexual assault, sexual harassment, workplace harassment/discrimination, housing discrimination, cyber sexual bullying, and sexual harassment at higher education institutions
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Entitles prevailing defendants who successfully use this defense to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and treble damages for any harm caused by the defamation lawsuit
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Applies only to individuals who have or had a reasonable basis to file a complaint of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, regardless of whether a formal complaint was actually filed
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.
Courts And Civil Procedure
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/12/2026