IL HB5850

Creates four new prohibitions on false or misleading statements in elections: knowingly or recklessly making false statements affecting votes on candidates or public questions; unlawful attempts to affect campaign outcomes through infiltration, bribery, or false statements about candidates' education, licenses, criminal history, medical records, military discipline, or voting records; falsely claiming incumbent status; and publishing libel or defamation with actual malice in political advertising.

Establishes civil remedies allowing candidates, voters, board members, or legislators to seek injunctions against violations, with violations proven by clear and convincing evidence; makes all violations Class A misdemeanors.

Changes Code of Fair Campaign Practices subscription from voluntary to mandatory for all candidates and political committee chairs, requiring filing with both the State Board of Elections and county clerk within 2 weeks of nomination petition submission or public question certification.

Requires candidates to include in all campaign materials the statement: "I am a candidate for (specify office), and I support the accuracy of this message."

Makes failure to timely file the Code result in ballot removal; makes violation of the Code or the accuracy statement requirement a Class A misdemeanor; establishes civil enforcement options with clear and convincing evidence standard.