HB4311 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

CRIM CD-OBSCENITY CIVIL ACTION
Last Action
2/11/2026 - House: Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
720 ILCS 5/11-20  from Ch. 38, par. 11-20
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any person who is harmed by the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material may bring a civil action against the individual or entity responsible for the violation. Provides that the prevailing plaintiff in a civil action under this provision may be entitled to compensatory damages for actual damages suffered as a result of the obscenity violation. Provides that a civil action for obscenity violations under this provision must be brought within 5 years of the discovery of the violation or the harm caused by the violation. Provides that, in any successful civil action, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees in addition to the damages awarded. Provides that a court may grant injunctive relief to prevent further violations of this provision, including the cessation of the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material by the defendant. Provides that the civil action may be brought in the county where the defendant resides, where the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition occurred, or where the plaintiff resides, if applicable.
Actions
DateChamberAction
1/06/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman
1/14/2026HouseFirst Reading
1/14/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee
1/21/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan
1/21/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly
2/02/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart
2/11/2026HouseAssigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
2/13/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman
2/13/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
2/17/2026HouseRemoved Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan
2/17/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan
2/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman
2/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee