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HB 3201

Relating generally to medical cannabis

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Eldridge and 4 co-sponsors

Prohibits airing electioneering communications on video/audio services primarily for children under 13; violations are business offenses, with fines up to $1,000.

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Bill Summary · HB 3201

Summary — HB 3201 (104th General Assembly, 2025–2026)

Short title / topic: Adds Section 29‑21 to the Illinois Election Code to prohibit broadcasting electioneering communications on video or audio services primarily directed to children under 13. Declares a business‑level penalty for violations.

Bill number / sponsor / dates
- Bill: HB 3201
- Sponsor: Rep. Harry Benton
- Introduced: February 18–21, 2025 (filed with Clerk 2/6/2025; first reading 2/18/2025)
- Statutory change: Adds 10 ILCS 5/29‑21 (new) to the Election Code
- Current status: In committee upon adjournment (last noted 6/28/2025)

Note: The bill title provided with the request references the Child and Adult Care Food Program, but the official text of HB 3201 as introduced amends the Election Code to regulate electioneering communications directed at children. This summary addresses the text in the introduced bill; please verify which bill/version you intend to review.

Main purpose and intent

HB 3201 seeks to prevent electioneering communications from being broadcast on video or audio services that offer content primarily viewed or listened to by children under age 13. The apparent intent is to limit political advertising or messaging that reaches very young audiences through child‑targeted media.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 29‑21 to the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/29‑21 new).
  • Prohibits any person from broadcasting an “electioneering communication” on a video or audio service that offers content primarily viewed or listened to by children under 13.
  • Classifies a violation as a business offense, punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.

(The introduced text is concise; it does not define “electioneering communication” within the new section—presumably existing Election Code definitions would apply—or specify regulatory enforcement procedures or venue.)

Who would be affected

  • Campaigns, political committees, and anyone producing or distributing electioneering communications.
  • Video and audio service providers and platforms whose content is primarily aimed at children under 13 (e.g., children’s streaming channels, audio programs/podcasts targeted at young children, apps and digital services aimed at that age group).
  • Advertisers and media buyers placing ads on child‑directed services.
  • Creators of child‑oriented content who monetize through sponsored content or ads that could be characterized as electioneering.

Penalty / enforcement

  • Violation = business offense.
  • Fine up to $1,000 per violation.
  • The bill text does not describe specific enforcement agents, procedures for determining whether a service is “primarily” for children, or remedies beyond the fine.

Legislative actions and timeline highlights

  • Referred to multiple committees (Education; Early Childhood and Human Services; Licensing & Administrative Procedures; Ways & Means) per internal referrals.
  • Public hearings and work sessions held: work sessions 2/5/2025 and 4/8/2025; public hearing 3/4/2025; committee activity 5/6/2025 (considered, substitute considered, testimony recorded, left pending).
  • 4/15/2025: Committee recommendation “Do pass with amendments” and referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.
  • 6/28/2025: Status recorded as “In committee upon adjournment.”

Practical considerations and open questions

  • The bill’s effectiveness depends on how “primarily viewed or listened to by children under the age of 13” and “electioneering communication” are defined and interpreted; those definitions are not spelled out in the new section.
  • Enforcement mechanics (who enforces, how violations are detected, whether fines are per ad/incident or per outlet) are not detailed.
  • Potential compliance impacts for platforms (content labeling, age‑targeting controls, ad review practices) and for political advertisers.
  • Possible legal questions about scope and First Amendment implications could arise; the bill sets a modest maximum fine ($1,000) and treats violations as business offenses rather than criminal acts.

If you want, I can:
- Extract and compare existing Election Code definitions of “electioneering communication,” or
- Draft a short memo outlining likely operational impacts for platforms and campaigns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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