IL HB4596

Creates the Combating Health Misinformation Act, establishing a Health Misinformation Response Unit within the Illinois Department of Public Health to monitor health misinformation on social media, community forums, and news sources, and issue public health advisories to counter it.

Requires the Department of Public Health to offer financial grants to community organizations, schools, and libraries for health literacy programs teaching residents how to evaluate medical claims and identify misinformation.

Establishes a "trusted messenger network" of local health professionals and community leaders who receive quarterly training and Department communications to help disseminate accurate health information in their communities.

Mandates that corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits distributing health-related information in Illinois disclose their funding sources and provide citations for factual claims, with responses to Department inquiries required within 7 business days.

Amends the School Code to require health literacy instruction, including how to fact-check online health information, as part of comprehensive health education programs in elementary and secondary schools.