S.3193

Relative to privileged communications in defamation actions

Introduced·7/22/26
Introduced Text

Massachusetts S3193 amends defamation laws to protect privileged communications about sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

Massachusetts S3193 amends the General Laws to protect privileged communications regarding incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. This bill ensures that communications made without malice about such incidents are deemed privileged and cannot be the basis for a defamation action. A prevailing defendant in such a defamation action can recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. This protection applies to individuals with a reasonable basis to file a complaint of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, regardless of whether a complaint was actually filed.

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Where it stands

Current
Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jul 22

Senate

Reported from the committee on The Judiciary

Jul 22

Senate

New draft of S1143

Jul 22

Senate

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means