HF 3571

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/12/2024 11:59am

A bill for an act
relating to civil law; allowing attorney fees to be awarded in defamation actions
related to sexual harassment and assault; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 548.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [548.065] DEFAMATION; ATTORNEY FEES.
new text end

new text begin A prevailing defendant in a defamation or libel action, which includes as one part of the
claim that the defendant made a communication, without malice, regarding an incident of
sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees
and costs for successfully defending themselves in the litigation. The court may award treble
damages because of the harm caused by the defamation or libel action against them in
addition to any other relief available under the law.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to actions
adjudicated on or after that date.
new text end