HB148

Hawaii HB148 shields individuals from defamation lawsuits when reporting sexual misconduct, unless proven malicious.

Hawaii HB148 aims to protect individuals from defamation lawsuits when they make claims of sexual misconduct, unless it is proven that the claim was made with malice. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 663 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, defining "protected communication" as factual information related to sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. A prevailing defendant in such cases is entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. This legislation seeks to create safer communities by preventing the misuse of defamation lawsuits to silence victims and good-faith reporters.