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IL HB4557
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/23/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act, allowing Illinois candidates to sue anyone who knowingly distributes manipulated audio or visual material depicting them in speech or conduct that never occurred.
- Applies only to distributions within 90 days before a regular election that are reasonably likely to harm a candidate's reputation or electoral prospects.
- Exempts manipulated media that includes a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating the content "has been manipulated by technical means and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur."
- Authorizes courts to issue temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, or permanent injunctions to stop distribution of digital forgeries.
- Prevailing plaintiffs may recover actual damages or statutory damages up to $10,000 per distribution instance, plus punitive damages and attorney's fees.
Legislative Description
DIGITAL FORGERIES IN POLITICS
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez
2/18/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary - Civil2/17/2026
Rules1/30/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available