Bill > HB580

This bill prohibits individuals accused of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or domestic abuse from filing a defamation lawsuit against a victim who reports these incidents, unless the victim publicly states the incident did not occur or the reported act was factually impossible for the accused to have committed. The bill defines "reporting" broadly to include disclosures to authorities, employers, the press, social media, or any other person, and clarifies that a "victim" can be an alleged victim or one legally determined as such. If a victim successfully defends against such a retaliatory defamation claim, they will be awarded court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and may receive punitive damages in addition to treble compensatory damages.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=221&inflect=2