DeSantis-backed libel bill appears to fail in Florida Legislature

[Eugene]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

DeSantis-backed libel bill appears to fail in Florida Legislature

Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel
Thu, May 4, 2023 at 12:29 PM EDT min read

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to make it easier for prominent people to sue media outlets for defamation appears to have failed in the Legislature this year, one of the few things lawmakers didn’t deliver for him as they finish their session Friday.

The measure would have made sweeping changes to Florida’s libel and defamation laws, taking aim at the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan Supreme Court decision. First Amendment advocates hail that landmark case as a cornerstone in protections for freedom of the press.

DeSantis said changes were needed to fight against what he dubbed “legacy media defamation practices.” He first publicly called for action during a Feb. 7 roundtable event, sitting in front of a screen that read “Speak Truth.”

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But DeSantis’ proposal drew a backlash from conservative media outlets that feared they could be harmed financially.

Opponents said the legislation would stifle free speech, ...

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Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/desantis-backed-libel-bill-appears-162900358.html

[PortTack]

1. Are they finally growing a spine?

[no_hypocrisy]

2. DeSantis is wrong (again).

Sullivan said that public figures like DeSantis have plentiful access to all media to neutralize alleged defamation. No extrajudicial remedy is necessary.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

3. DeathSantis was trying to overturn NY Times v Sullivan

This effort was doomed to failure and so I am not surprised that the Florida Legis killed this bill