H1974
An Act relative to privileged communications in defamation actions
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses the concept of ‘privileged communications’ in cases involving defamation lawsuits. It seeks to clarify and potentially expand the protections afforded to communications considered privileged, particularly in situations where individuals seek advice from legal counsel or other professionals. The goal is to ensure that these communications cannot be used as evidence against someone in a defamation claim, thereby safeguarding freedom of expression and the ability to seek legal guidance without fear of litigation.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘privileged communications’ within the context of defamation actions.
- Expands the scope of communications considered privileged to include consultations with legal professionals.
- Addresses the use of privileged communications in determining the truth of statements made.
- Clarifies the application of privilege to communications between individuals and their labor organizations.
Who is affected
- Individuals
- Legal professionals (lawyers, etc.)
- Media outlets
- Businesses
- Labor organizations
Notable changes
- The bill aims to provide clearer guidelines on what constitutes a ‘privileged communication’.
- It potentially strengthens protections for communications seeking legal advice.
- It includes provisions related to labor organizations and privileged communications.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Cosponsors
Estela A. Reyes
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Margaret R. Scarsdale
Meghan K. Kilcoyne
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Bill H.1974 194th (Current)
An Act relative to privileged communications in defamation actions
By Representatives Sabadosa of Northampton and Reyes of Lawrence, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1974) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Estela A. Reyes relative to privileged communications in defamation actions. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Lindsay N. Sabadosa , Estela A. Reyes
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.1974
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:30 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 11/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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H.2087 194th (Current)
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An Act relative to privileged communications in defamation actions
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