HB2828 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 10616 JLS 55722 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB2828

Introduced , by Rep. Anne Stava-Murray

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Suicide Depiction Warning Act. Requires a black box warning to be presented at the beginning of and periodically throughout the presentation of a fictional show that includes a depiction of suicide. Provides that the warning must disclose that suicide not only harms the person who dies, but also harms others.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Suicide Depiction Warning Act.

Section 5. Definitions. In this Act:

"Black box warning" means a video message in which the scene presented in the video is surrounded by a solid border that is clearly distinguishable by means of a solid color that contrasts, or sets off, the scene presented from the remainder of the presentation.

"Depiction" means the way that something is represented or shown.

"Depression" means a feeling of severe despondency and dejection.

"Suicide" means the act of killing one's self intentionally.

Section 10. Suicide depiction warning required.

(a) At the beginning of and periodically throughout the presentation of a fictional show that includes a depiction of suicide, the person presenting the show shall also present a black box warning that includes a suicide help line or other immediately available intervention resources for persons dealing with depression.

(b) The black box warning shall include the actor in the show portraying the character depicted as committing suicide. In the black box warning, the actor shall disclose the following that:

(1) the show is fictional; and

(2) suicide harms not only the person who dies, but also countless others who love that person and who may also be struggling with depression themselves.