S.2603

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·2/13/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2603 grants an affirmative defense for privileged communications about sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination made without.

Rhode Island S2603 provides an affirmative defense for individuals who communicate about incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination without malice. This defense applies to communications about sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or cyber sexual bullying. A prevailing defendant in a defamation action can receive reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and treble damages. The act takes effect upon passage.

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

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDD
5
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

9 Yea

DDDDDDDRD

0 Nay

1 Absent

D

Calendar

Apr 30

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 30

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 24

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)

Feb 13

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary