Bill
HB 911
House Bill 911 protects individuals discussing sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination from defamation lawsuits, encouraging open communication about these issues.
Bill Number: HB 911
Title: Torts; prohibit individuals from bringing defamation actions against another individual who makes a communication regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination; provisions
Status: House First Readers
Introduced: April 02, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Cummings of the 39th
House Bill 911 aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia to provide legal protections for individuals who communicate about incidents of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sex discrimination. The bill seeks to encourage reporting and discussion of these serious issues by preventing defamation lawsuits against those who believe they are sharing truthful information regarding such incidents.
Prohibition of Defamation Actions:
The bill establishes that individuals cannot file defamation lawsuits against another person who communicates about an incident of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sex discrimination, provided that the communicator has a reasonable belief that the incident occurred and acts without malice.
Attorney's Fees for Prevailing Defendants:
If a defamation lawsuit is filed in violation of this provision, the defendant who prevails in court is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs associated with the case.
Repeal of Conflicting Laws:
The bill includes a clause to repeal any existing laws that conflict with its provisions, ensuring clarity and consistency in the legal framework regarding defamation related to these sensitive topics.
Individuals Reporting Incidents:
Victims or witnesses of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination who wish to communicate their experiences or observations without fear of legal repercussions.
Potential Defendants in Defamation Cases:
Individuals who may be accused of defamation for discussing such incidents will have legal protections under this bill.
Legal Community:
Attorneys representing clients in defamation cases will need to navigate the new legal landscape established by this bill, particularly regarding the recovery of fees and costs.
Current Status:
The bill is currently at the House First Readers stage as of April 4, 2025, indicating it has been introduced and is awaiting further consideration by the legislative body.
Next Steps:
The bill will likely undergo committee review and discussion before moving to a vote in the House. If passed, it will then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 911 represents a significant shift in the legal treatment of communications regarding sexual misconduct, aiming to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to speak out about such incidents without the threat of defamation claims. By providing protections for communicators and allowing for the recovery of costs for prevailing defendants, the bill seeks to balance the interests of both parties in sensitive legal matters.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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