Idaho Bill Aims to Prevent Prisoners from Profiting Off Murder Stories

The proposed legislation would modernize the state's "Son of Sam" law to block convicts like Bryan Kohberger and Lori Vallow Daybell from earning money through books, interviews or films about their crimes.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:31am

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The Idaho legislature is considering a bill that would prevent prisoners convicted of high-profile murders from profiting off their crimes through book deals, interviews or other media. The proposed legislation, introduced by state Sen. Tammy Nichols, would update Idaho's existing "Son of Sam" law to cover modern media and monetization methods. The bill is aimed at cases like the University of Idaho student murders and the trials of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, where the perpetrators could potentially earn money by sharing their stories.

Why it matters

This legislation is intended to ensure that victims and their families do not have to endure further trauma by seeing the perpetrators of horrific crimes profit from their actions through book deals, movies or other media. The bill seeks to direct any earnings from such activities towards court-ordered restitution and other damages owed to victims.

The details

The proposed bill would modernize Idaho's 1978 "Son of Sam" law, which was named after notorious serial killer David Berkowitz. The existing law has faced constitutional challenges, so the new legislation aims to focus solely on the economic proceeds from prisoners' stories while explicitly protecting free speech rights. The bill includes exceptions that would allow prisoners to be compensated for regular wages, news/documentary appearances with interview fees, and works of fiction that only briefly mention the crime.

  • The bill was introduced in the Idaho legislature on Monday, January 30, 2026.
  • The Senate committee unanimously advanced the bill for a future public hearing after a brief presentation on January 30, 2026.

The players

Sen. Tammy Nichols

The Republican state senator from Middleton, Idaho, who introduced the proposed legislation to update Idaho's "Son of Sam" law.

Rep. Elaine Price

The Republican state representative from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, who is the co-sponsor of the bill in the Idaho House.

Bryan Kohberger

The perpetrator of the 2022 University of Idaho student murders, who confessed to the crimes last year.

Lori Vallow Daybell

The woman convicted for the 2019 murders of her two children, as well as conspiracy to kill her first husband and her husband's first wife.

Anthony Dahlinger

The Moscow, Idaho police chief who helped lead the investigation into the University of Idaho student murders.

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What they’re saying

“This closes gaps that fail to address modern media and monetization, and ensures victims have a fair opportunity to recover damages, all while fully protecting free speech and due process by regulating only the money — not First Amendment expression.”

— Sen. Tammy Nichols

“I just feel strongly that no one should profit from their crime. Victims should not feel continually victimized.”

— Rep. Elaine Price

What’s next

The Idaho Senate committee's unanimous vote on January 30th means the bill will now move forward for a public hearing, where lawmakers and the public will have a chance to provide further input before the legislature takes a final vote.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Idaho represents a broader effort to ensure that perpetrators of high-profile, violent crimes cannot profit from their actions through media deals or other means. By closing loopholes in the state's existing "Son of Sam" law, the bill aims to redirect any potential earnings towards victim restitution and prevent further trauma for victims' families.