Accused people would face limits on suing abuse reporters for defamation

A person accused of specified sexual misconduct or domestic abuse could not sue a reporting victim for defamation, except in limited cases. The rule covers reports of sexual misconduct, abuse, assault, or harassment, and the acts listed in RSA 173-B:1, I(a)-(f), including attempts. A victim may be an alleged victim or someone found to be a victim through legal process. If the accused was publicly named, a defamation claim could proceed only if the complaint gives specific facts showing the accused could not have committed the reported act, or the victim has publicly said the incident did not happen. The bill says it would take effect January 1, 2026.

A victim who wins a covered defamation case would receive court costs and reasonable attorney fees, and could receive added damages. This applies to a victim who wins a retaliatory defamation case covered by the section. The victim would be eligible for punitive damages, in addition to three times the compensatory damages. The bill says it would take effect January 1, 2026.