IL HB2836

Prohibits persons accused of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment from using defamation actions to silence or retaliate against accusers, staff, or third parties reporting such allegations, including cases where the accused is publicly named.

Defines "report" or "reporting" to include disclosures to authorities, human resources, press statements, social media posts, and telling another person.

Restricts defamation claims where an accuser is publicly named to only cases where the defendant establishes within the initial court filing one of four specific conditions: the alleged act was factually impossible, the accuser was impeached in a prior courtroom proceeding on the same facts, the accuser made publicly contradictory statements about material facts, or the accuser publicly stated the incident did not occur.

Requires cited documentation and evidence to support any permissible defamation claim under the conditions outlined.