summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Free Speech Protection Act. Provides that a person who has received permission to place a sign or display on State-supported property has the right to exercise freedom of speech. Provides that the Act does not authorize or protect a sign or display that: is libelous, slanderous, or obscene; constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy; violates federal or State law; a reasonable person would understand as intended to denigrate or hold up to ridicule the beliefs of a religion, including, but not limited to, the display of a recognized or altered version of a symbol of a religion in such a manner; or incites others to commit an unlawful act, or to materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the State-supported property in question. Provides that no State agency, official, or employee shall be held liable in any civil or criminal action for any expression made through a sign or display. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Free Speech Protection Act, which establishes specific rights and limitations for individuals who have been granted permission to place signs or displays on state-supported property. The legislation ensures that people can exercise freedom of speech on such property, but with important restrictions: signs or displays cannot be libelous, slanderous, obscene, invasive of privacy, or in violation of federal or state law. Additionally, expressions that a reasonable person would interpret as intending to ridicule religious beliefs or that might incite unlawful actions or substantially disrupt the property's operations are not protected. Crucially, the bill stipulates that no state agency, official, or employee can be held legally liable for expressions made through these signs or displays. The bill places the burden on state officials to justify any limitations on expression quickly and without undue delay, while emphasizing that such expressions do not represent official state policy. This legislation aims to balance free speech rights with protections against potentially harmful or offensive content on state-supported properties.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2610&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2610.htm |
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