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ID H0306
Bill
Status
2/21/2025
Primary Sponsor
State Affairs Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
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Repeals existing Idaho criminal libel law (Chapter 48, Title 18) and replaces it with new provisions criminalizing the publication of false statements about another person with "actual malice" (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth)
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Criminal libel classified as a felony punishable by up to $100,000 fine, up to 5 years imprisonment, or both
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Courts may order convicted defendants to pay restitution to victims for specific costs incurred from injury or loss caused by the libel
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Attorney General has exclusive jurisdiction to prosecute cases where libel targets state officers or employees concerning their official conduct; county prosecutors handle all other cases
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Effective date: July 1, 2025, with emergency declaration
Legislative Description
Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for the crime of criminal libel, to provide penalties, to provide for restitution to a victim, and to provide for jurisdiction to prosecute.
CRIMINAL LIBEL
Last Action
Reported Printed and Held at Desk
2/24/2025