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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
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This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 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
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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 June 26, 1985

Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 2846: A bill to protect the constitutional right to freedom of speech by establishing a new cause of action for defamation, and for other purposes.. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2846/
MLA
"H.R. 2846: A bill to protect the constitutional right to freedom of speech by establishing a new cause of action for defamation, and for other purposes.." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2846/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 2846, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2846/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 2846: A bill to protect the constitutional right to freedom of speech by establishing a new cause of action for defamation, and for other purposes.](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2846/)
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