Bill > HB3230

This bill, known as the Freedom from Government and Private Collusion Against Free Speech Act, creates a legal mechanism for citizens of Illinois to sue a state agency, its employee, and a private company if they work together to suppress an individual's freedom of speech. The bill recognizes that while speech can be limited in certain circumstances, these limitations must be narrowly construed and content-neutral. Specifically, speech can be restricted if it violates the law, falsely defames someone, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, invades privacy, creates a significant workplace disturbance, occurs in an inaccessible area, or is incompatible with government functioning. If a citizen successfully brings such a lawsuit, the state agency, employee, and private company must reimburse the Attorney General's Office three times the legal fees incurred, plus any damages determined by the court. The bill aims to protect citizens' free speech rights by providing a legal remedy against coordinated efforts to suppress expression, while also acknowledging that some reasonable restrictions on speech are necessary for government operations.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3230&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104