SB3542 - Foreign Agents Registration Act

• Creates registration requirement for agents of foreign principals from "countries of concern" (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria) to file with the Illinois Attorney General within 10 days of becoming an agent.

• Requires detailed registration statements including agent identity, foreign principal information, business activities, contracts, financial compensation, and political activities, with supplemental filings every 6 months.

• Mandates labeling of informational materials distributed by registered agents with conspicuous statements identifying them as representing a foreign principal, and prohibits unlabeled distribution.

• Establishes criminal penalties including Class 3 felony charges with up to $100,000 fines for knowing violations or false statements; Class A misdemeanor for Section 30 violations; and mandatory expulsion from Illinois universities for academic violations.

• Requires retroactive registration for anyone who acted as a foreign agent from January 1, 2014 onward, and exempts certain diplomatic officials, government officials, staff members, and licensed attorneys engaging in legal representation.