The bill amends Section 48-305 of the Idaho Code, which pertains to fees and costs associated with extraordinary collection actions against patients. It establishes that patients have no liability for costs, expenses, and fees, including attorney's fees, unless the party taking such actions has complied with Section 48-304. The bill outlines specific limitations on the amounts that can be awarded in uncontested and contested judgments, as well as for postjudgment motions and writs. Additionally, it allows for the recovery of costs and fees by a prevailing patient in a contested judgment against a nonprevailing party.

A significant insertion in the bill clarifies that the limitations on costs, expenses, and fees apply to all actions, proceedings, or judgments related to the original judgment, including new causes of action or judgments sold or transferred by the original creditor. This means that all related actions will be treated as a single judgment for the purpose of applying these limitations. The bill also declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 48-305