HB 441 Ohio House · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Regards the one-year limitations period for libel or slander

Summary

To amend section 2305.11 of the Revised Code to provide that for purposes of the one-year limitations period for libel or slander, the cause of action starts from publication of the libelous matter or when the slanderous words were spoken, regardless of when the aggrieved party discovered the libelous matter or slanderous words.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Sep 2025

Committee Review

Jun 2026

House Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Sep 9, 2025 Last action Jun 10, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced → As Passed by the House · 3 edits · Jun 3, 2026

MINOR

The bill significantly expands the time limit for filing libel and slander lawsuits in Ohio, increasing the deadline from one year to four years. It also clarifies that the clock starts ticking immediately when the harmful statement is published or spoken, rather than waiting for the victim to discover it. This change aims to give victims more time to seek legal remedies for defamation.

Scope change

The bill applies specifically to libel and slander cases, while leaving the one-year deadline unchanged for other types of civil claims like malpractice or false imprisonment.

TIMELINE

The statute of limitations for libel and slander was increased from one year to four years.

The start date for the limitations period was clarified to begin when the statement is published or spoken, regardless of when the victim discovers it.

SCOPE

The bill added new cosponsors to the legislation.

Floor votes · House Jun 3, 2026

How they voted

89–0

Passed

Total votes 89

Jun 3, 2026

D Democratic28

28 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican61

61 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 10, 2026

Committee

Referred to committee

upper

Jun 4, 2026

Introduced

upper

Jun 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed

lower

Jun 3, 2026

Introduced

Reported - Amended

lower

Sep 15, 2025

Committee

Referred to committee

lower

Sep 9, 2025

Introduced

lower

2 primary · 1 co-sponsor