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HB 3564

Relating to published defamatory statements.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Diehl and 7 co-sponsors

HB 3564 expands legal protections against defamation, allowing victims to sue for damages, shifting burden of proof to publishers, and requiring faster content removal.

Chapter 393, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 3564

HB 3564 - Relating to Published Defamatory Statements

Summary

This bill, which was signed into law in 2025 and will take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to expand legal protections against the publication of defamatory statements. The key provisions and impacts of HB 3564 include:

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary goal of the bill is to strengthen legal remedies for individuals or entities who have been the subject of published defamatory statements.
  • It seeks to create a more robust framework for holding publishers and platforms accountable for verifying the truthfulness of claims before disseminating information.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a new civil cause of action for defamation, allowing individuals or organizations to sue for monetary damages resulting from published false statements of fact.
  • Shifts the burden of proof, requiring publishers to demonstrate the truthfulness of disputed claims rather than plaintiffs having to prove falsity.
  • Imposes financial penalties on publishers who fail to promptly correct or retract verifiably false statements after being notified.
  • Extends the statute of limitations for defamation claims from 1 year to 3 years.
  • Allows courts to order the removal or retraction of defamatory content from websites and social media platforms.

Impact

  • Individuals and businesses who have been the targets of published false statements will have stronger legal recourse to seek damages and content removals.
  • Online publishers and social media companies will need to implement more rigorous fact-checking processes to avoid potential liability.
  • The longer statute of limitations and burden of proof changes may lead to an increase in defamation lawsuits being filed.

Conclusion

HB 3564 represents a significant expansion of legal protections against defamation in the digital age. By empowering victims and increasing publisher accountability, the law aims to curb the spread of harmful misinformation. However, some have raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on free speech. As with any new legislation, the real-world impacts will likely be evaluated and debated in the years following its implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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