H7206

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.

Introduced·1/21/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island H7206 provides an affirmative defense for individuals making privileged communications about sexual assault, harassment, or.

Rhode Island H7206 amends the state's General Laws to provide an affirmative defense for individuals who communicate about incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination without malice. This defense applies to factual information related to such incidents, including acts of sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, cyber sexual bullying, or harassment in higher education. A prevailing defendant in any defamation action related to these communications can recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and treble damages. This act takes effect upon passage.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDDDDDDDD
9
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 12

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 12

House

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Mar 6

House

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/12/2026)

Jan 21

House

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary