AN ACT CONCERNING A DEFAMATION ACTION FILED IN CONNECTION WITH COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, SEXUAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ASSAULT OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

HB 5595 amends Connecticut law to protect communications about sexual misconduct, abuse, assault, or harassment from being treated as defamation, provided the communication was made without malice. This directly affects individuals reporting such incidents - like victims, witnesses, or advocates - who might otherwise face defamation lawsuits for sharing their experiences. The key provision adds these communications to a list of legally privileged statements, meaning they cannot be used to sue someone for defamation. The bill does not change how sexual misconduct cases are handled but removes a potential legal barrier for people speaking out.