The bill amends Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 9-1-55, which establishes limitations on actions based on defamation related to sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. It provides that an individual making a communication regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, and who can prove that the communication was made without malice or gross negligence, shall have an affirmative defense to civil liability in any action for defamation. The definition of "communication" is broad and includes factual information related to various forms of harassment and discrimination, as well as acts of retaliation connected to these issues.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a prevailing defendant in any defamation action who successfully uses the affirmative defense is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs for successfully defending the litigation, along with treble damages for any harm caused by the defamation action, in addition to any other relief permitted by law. This section applies only to individuals who have, or at any time had, a reasonable basis to file a complaint of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, regardless of whether the complaint was filed. The act will take effect upon passage.