IllinoisHB3736104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

CRIM CD-OBSCENITY CIVIL ACTION

Sponsored By: Robert "Bob" Rita (Democratic)

In Committee

Summary

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any person who is harmed by the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material may bring a civil action against the individual or entity responsible for the violation. Provides that the prevailing plaintiff in a civil action under this provision may be entitled to compensatory damages for actual damages suffered as a result of the obscenity violation. Provides that, in addition to compensatory damages, the plaintiff may recover punitive damages as determined by the court. Provides that damages shall not exceed $10,000,000 for each count in the civil action, with each separate instance of unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material constituting a separate count. Provides that a civil action for obscenity violations under this provision must be brought within 5 years of the discovery of the violation or the harm caused by the violation. Provides that, in any successful civil action, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees in addition to the damages awarded. Provides that a court may grant injunctive relief to prevent further violations of this provision, including the cessation of the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material by the defendant. Provides that the civil action may be brought in the county where the defendant resides, where the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition occurred, or where the plaintiff resides, if applicable.

judiciary - civil

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robert "Bob" Rita

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

    3/21/2025House
  2. Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee

    3/11/2025House
  3. Referred to Rules Committee

    2/18/2025House
  4. First Reading

    2/18/2025House
  5. Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Robert "Bob" Rita

    2/7/2025House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation