IL HB3886

Guarantees youth in Department of Children and Family Services custody the right to communicate with news media under First Amendment and Illinois Constitution protections.

Requires DCFS to notify a minor's attorney and guardian ad litem within one business day when news media requests to speak with a specific minor under 18, and determine if the minor wants to speak with media and if contact would cause serious harm.

Prohibits DCFS from interfering with minors over 18 speaking to news media, including withholding information, preventing contact, threatening, coercing, or punishing minors for media contact.

Allows courts to restrict a minor under 18's media contact only if DCFS proves by clear and convincing evidence the minor lacks maturity to decide and media contact will likely cause serious harm, with less restrictive alternatives unavailable.

Permits DCFS to provide age-appropriate advice about communicating with media, protect privacy through pseudonyms or anonymity, and allow a guardian ad litem or attorney to be present during media interviews without constituting prohibited interference.