Sara Locke | Support HB580

Dear Chair and Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to support HB 580-FN, which protects victims of sexual and domestic violence from retaliatory defamation lawsuits. Too often, survivors face intimidation and legal threats simply for coming forward. This bill ensures that victims can report abuse—whether to authorities, the media, or even a friend—without fear of being sued in bad faith. It maintains a narrow, fair exception for cases where an accused person can prove factual impossibility or recantation, ensuring that legitimate claims of false reporting can still be addressed. Survivors already endure significant emotional, financial, and legal barriers when seeking justice. Allowing abusers to weaponize defamation lawsuits against them only compounds the harm and discourages reporting. HB 580-FN aligns with public interest and free speech protections, ensuring that victims can speak out without fear of retaliation. I respectfully ask the committee to recommend this bill as Ought to Pass to safeguard the rights and safety of survivors. Thank you for your time and consideration.