Arizona Republicans advance bill that would make it easier for politicians to sue critics

By: Jerod MacDonald-Evoy

Outlets: Arizona Mirror

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 910

Last Updated: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

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Republican lawmakers would be able to sue people who use social media to criticize them and call them names under a bill they approved that would make it easier for politicians to file defamation cases against their critics.

Among other things, the proposal would lower the long-held legal standard for public figures — like politicians — to prevail in defamation lawsuits, veteran First Amendment attorney David Bodney said.

“This bill misstates well-established First Amendment …

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