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* Click here for extensive background if you need it. The General Assembly has corrected an egregious wrong by the Illinois Supreme Court. From the BGA…
We’re proud to share that SB1181, Illinois’ anti-SLAPP legislation, has officially passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is now headed to the governor’s desk. This is a major win for free speech and government transparency in Illinois.
This achievement is the result of tireless advocacy from the Better Government Association, the ACLU of Illinois, the Illinois Press Association and a coalition of like-minded organizations committed to protecting the public’s right to speak out on matters of public concern. We extend our deepest thanks to Senator Steve Stadelman and Representative Daniel Didech for their leadership in carrying this bill through the finish line.
SB1181 strengthens protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)—lawsuits often used to silence or intimidate critics for exercising their First Amendment rights. Once signed into law, it will provide clearer legal pathways to quickly dismiss these meritless suits, ensuring that journalists, advocates, and everyday citizens can speak freely without fear of retaliation.
This is a crucial step forward for transparency, civic engagement, and a healthier democracy in Illinois.
Many, many thanks to Sen. Steve Stadelman and Rep. Dan Didech for fixing this problem. I’ve been biting my tongue on a few things because the Illinois Supreme Court unconscionably stripped my legal protections. But that’s gonna change when this bill takes effect.
Heh.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 10:07 am
Previous Post: Same general topic, different approaches
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Important “context” from the late, great, Michael Miner.
Judges are not merely referees in SLAPP lawsuits, they are sometimes players.
https://chicagoreader.com/blogs/counterattack-page-chronicle-sue-chief-justice-thomas/
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 10:34 am
“I’ve been biting my tongue”
Who wrote that? Surely not Rich(bp x 3)
Comment by Lurker Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 10:34 am
Now we just need to only to convince Sen. Durbin that Section 230 is a bad idea.
Comment by Leatherneck Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 10:43 am
great piece of legislation
Comment by Chip's Friend Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 11:27 am
This Act is a Uniform Law adopted by the Uniform Law Commission in 2020. If you are interested in more information and to see a map on other states which have adopted it, see: https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?communitykey=4f486460-199c-49d7-9fac-05570be1e7b1#LegBillTrackingAnchor
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Wednesday, Jun 4, 25 @ 1:24 pm