This bill amends Section 6-712 of the Idaho Code to introduce provisions for punitive damages in cases of libel per se and slander per se. It specifies that in actions for damages related to the publication of libel or slander, a plaintiff may recover punitive damages regardless of whether a retraction has been published or broadcast. The bill also defines "libel per se or slander per se" as a malicious defamation that is knowingly false or made with reckless disregard for the truth.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing legal framework regarding the recovery of damages in libel and slander cases. It establishes that plaintiffs can only recover actual damages unless they provide a written notice demanding a correction within twenty days of knowledge of the defamatory statement. If the correction is not made within three weeks, plaintiffs may then seek general, actual, and exemplary damages, provided they can prove actual malice on the part of the defendant. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6-712