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.

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.