HR 2846
99th Congress
House
Law
Civil actions and liability
Courts and Civil Procedure
Government officials
Libel and slander
A bill to protect the constitutional right to freedom of speech by establishing a new cause of action for defamation, and for other purposes.
Introduced: June 24, 1985
Introduced by:
Schumer, Charles E.
Democratic
· New York
See on congress.gov
Everywhere this bill has been
3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 26, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Jun 24, 1985
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Jun 24, 1985
Introduced in House
Plain-English summary
Establishes a new cause of action allowing a public official or public figure who is the subject of a publication or broadcast to sue for a declaratory judgment that the publication or broadcast was false and defamatory. Provides that malice need not be shown. Prohibits the award of damages.
Imposes a one year statute of limitations for all defamation suits. Prohibits punitive damages in such suits.
Grants reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party in most situations.
What's happening now
Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Committees of jurisdiction
2