IL SB1831

Amends the Citizen Participation Act to allow public officials, employees, or agents to sue in state circuit court against Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requesters if the request is based on or relates to the official's protected speech, petition, association, or government participation rights.

Establishes liquidated damages of $5,000 for each offending FOIA request, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs, unless the requester proves by clear and convincing evidence that the request is unrelated to the official's protected activities.

Allows the requester to avoid damages by proving either that the FOIA request is not connected to the official's protected conduct or that the official's conduct is not immunized under the Citizen Participation Act.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.