ID H0851

Amends Idaho Code Section 6-712 to allow plaintiffs to recover punitive damages in libel per se or slander per se cases against newspapers, radio, or television broadcasters, regardless of whether a retraction was published or broadcast.

Defines "libel per se or slander per se" as malicious defamation that is knowingly and deliberately false, or made in reckless disregard of the truth, without regard to context.

Maintains existing law requiring plaintiffs to demand a correction within 20 days of learning of defamatory statements to recover more than actual damages in standard libel/slander cases.

Declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.