The bill amends section 2305.11 of the Revised Code to clarify the limitations period for actions related to libel and slander. It specifies that a cause of action for libel accrues from the date of publication of the alleged libelous matter, and for slander, it accrues from the date the alleged slanderous words were spoken. This change establishes that the one-year limitations period for filing a lawsuit begins regardless of when the aggrieved party discovered the libelous matter or slanderous words, and each publication of the libelous matter initiates a new limitations period.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous references to libel and slander from the existing law and introduces new subsections that detail the accrual of causes of action for these offenses. It also includes provisions regarding civil actions related to unlawful abortion and clarifies definitions related to medical claims. The existing section 2305.11 is repealed, and the new language is inserted to provide clearer guidelines for the commencement of actions for libel and slander.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2305.11