Delaware Protects Sexual Assault and Discrimination Victims From Retaliatory Defamation Lawsuits

Original title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT, HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION.

Last action · September 14, 2026: Signed by GovernorSponsors: Eric Morrison and 9 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

This Act protects victims of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment from retaliatory defamation lawsuits by requiring complainants to meet a higher , even as private figures. Additionally, it entitles prevailing defendants in such defamation lawsuits to recover attorneys' fees, costs, actual damages, and .

Why it matters

The measure alters legal liability in defamation actions arising from disclosures of assault, discrimination, or harassment, shifting potential financial burdens like attorneys' fees and damages onto complainants.

Background

Retaliatory defamation lawsuits are sometimes filed against individuals who publicly disclose incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Victims of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment

Victims are protected from retaliatory defamation lawsuits through a higher burden of proof and potential recovery of fees and damages if sued.

Directly affected

Complainants in defamation lawsuits

Complainants face a higher burden of proof and potential liability for attorneys' fees, costs, actual damages, and punitive damages if they prevail against a defendant protected by this Act.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this law apply to private figures who file defamation lawsuits?

Yes, the Act places a higher on the complainant even if the complainant is a private figure.

What can a prevailing defendant recover under this Act?

A prevailing defendant is entitled to attorneys’ fees and costs, actual damages, and .

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

9 actions

Sep 14, 2026Office of the GovernorEnrolled
Signed by Governor
Jul 1, 2026SenateFloor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
Jun 24, 2026SenateCommittee
Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
Jun 18, 2026SenateIntroduced
Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate
Jun 18, 2026HouseFloor
Passed By House. Votes: 30 YES 9 NO 2 ABSENT
Jun 18, 2026HouseCommittee
Amendment HA 1 to HB 355 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

Show 3 earlier actions

May 13, 2026HouseCommittee
Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
Apr 16, 2026HouseCommittee
Amendment HA 1 to HB 355 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
Apr 9, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House

Version history

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