HB580 Relative to retaliatory defamation in domestic violence and sexual violence cases.
Relative to retaliatory defamation in domestic violence and sexual violence cases.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Minimal fiscal impact (under $10,000 annually per fiscal note), but accused individuals face increased litigation risk and potential enhanced damage awards if they pursue defamation claims.
Your Community
Strengthens legal protection for victims of sexual and domestic violence to report without fear of retaliation through defamation lawsuits, which advocates argue increases victim willingness to come forward.
Your Freedom
Restricts the defamation lawsuit rights of accused persons while expanding protection for accusers' speech rights, creating a tradeoff between competing legal freedoms.
Status
Refer for Interim Study: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 01/07/2026 House Journal 1 P. 75
Sponsor
Anita Burroughs (D)
The Short Version
This bill prohibits people accused of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or domestic abuse from suing their accusers for defamation, with narrow exceptions only when the accused can prove the alleged act was physically impossible or the victim publicly recanted. Victims who successfully defend against such lawsuits receive attorney fees, court costs, and enhanced damages.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Victims of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic abuse who report their experiences
- ▲ Victims defending against defamation claims brought by accused perpetrators
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Individuals accused of sexual or domestic violence who wish to pursue defamation lawsuits against their accusers
- ▼ Potential increase in litigation costs borne by the judicial system
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.