Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 851: LIBEL AND SLANDER – Amends existing law to provide for punitive damages in cases of libel per se and slander per se.
Amends Idaho Code § 6-712 to allow punitive damages in libel per se or slander per se cases against newspapers, radio, or TV broadcasters, regardless of retraction. Defines per se as malicious, knowingly false defamation or reckless disregard of truth. Adds 20-day notice requirement and technical fixes. Effective July 1, 2026.
Status
Reported Printed (March 10, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced March 10, 2026
Sponsors
- WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JRA for Printing
Bill history
- March 10, 2026 — House: Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
- March 10, 2026 — House: Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
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