HB1971 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 04217 HLH 14234 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB1971

Introduced 2/17/2021, by Rep. Ann M. Williams

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

25 ILCS 170/3.2 new

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Provides that any person or entity who makes an expenditure on or after July 1, 2021 for television, print, online, radio, or direct mail advertising for the purpose of influencing any executive, legislative, or administrative action related to the Illinois Public Utilities Act, the Illinois Power Agency Act, or both, shall file a report with the Secretary of State no later than June 30 of the year in which the expenditure is made disclosing the amount of the expenditure and the source of the funds used to make the expenditure. Provides that certain media organizations are exempt. Sets forth penalties for failure to comply.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Lobbyist Registration Act is amended by adding Section 3.2 as follows:

(25 ILCS 170/3.2 new)

Sec. 3.2. Media expenditure reports. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person or entity who makes an expenditure on or after July 1, 2021 for television, print, online, radio, or direct mail advertising for the purpose of influencing any executive, legislative, or administrative action related to the Illinois Public Utilities Act, the Illinois Power Agency Act, or both, other than a person or entity who is exempt under paragraph (2) of Section 3, shall file a report with the Secretary of State no later than June 30 of the year in which the expenditure is made disclosing the amount of the expenditure and the source of the funds used to make the expenditure. A report shall be made under this Section regardless of whether the advertising was directed at any specific public official or group of public officials. Knowing failure to comply with this Section constitutes a violation of this Act and is subject to the penalties set forth in subsection (a) of Section 10.