LIBEL AND SLANDER – Amends existing law to provide for punitive damages in cases of libel per se and slander per se.

This bill amends Idaho law to allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages in libel and slander cases involving inherently defamatory statements, known as libel per se and slander per se. Under current rules, victims of defamation must demand a correction from the publisher or broadcaster within 20 days to recover more than actual damages, but this bill creates an exception for serious cases where the false statement was made with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth. The change directly affects individuals who have been defamed through newspapers, radio, or television broadcasts by removing the requirement to request a retraction before pursuing punitive damages in these specific situations. The bill defines libel per se and slander per se as knowingly false statements made with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth, regardless of context.