IL SB1181

Amends Illinois' Citizen Participation Act (anti-SLAPP law) to explicitly include "freedom of the press" as a protected constitutional right alongside petition, speech, and association rights

Clarifies that press activities such as opining, reporting, or investigating matters of public concern qualify as participating and communicating with government under the Act

Adds automatic stay provisions when an anti-SLAPP motion is filed, halting all proceedings including discovery between the parties until the motion is resolved and any appeal is concluded

Allows responding parties to recover attorney's fees and costs if the court finds an anti-SLAPP motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay proceedings

Applies only to actions commenced on or after January 1, 2026