81R30229 AJA-D
By: Pea, Leibowitz, Alonzo, Hughes, H.B. No. 4237
Martinez, et al.
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 4237:
By: Madden C.S.H.B. No. 4237
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to publication of certain matters in certain media that
are privileged and not grounds for a libel action.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 73.002(a), Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The publication by a newspaper, Internet website,
weblog, or other periodical of a matter covered by this section is
privileged and is not a ground for a libel action. This privilege
does not extend to the republication of a matter if it is proved
that the matter was republished with actual malice after it had
ceased to be of public concern.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to a
libel action brought on or after the effective date of this Act,
regardless of the date on which the libel occurred.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.