<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<xml>
<title>Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB 4557</title>
<shortdesc>DIGITAL FORGERIES IN POLITICS</shortdesc>
<sponsor>
<sponsorhead1>House Sponsors</sponsorhead1><sponsors>Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez</sponsors>
</sponsor>
<lastaction>
<statusdate>3/27/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee</action>
</lastaction>
<synopsis>
<synopsistitle></synopsistitle>
<reference>New Act</reference><aliasreference></aliasreference><SynopsisText>     Creates the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act. Provides that an individual depicted in a digital forgery who is an Illinois resident and a candidate for office in this State has a cause of action against any person who knowingly distributes, or enters into an agreement with another person to distribute, a digital forgery if: (1) the distribution occurs within 90 days before a regular election; and (2) the distribution is reasonably likely to harm the reputation or electoral prospects of a candidate in an election. Sets forth exceptions. Allows a court to issue a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease the display or distribution of the digital forgery. Includes additional awards to a prevailing plaintiff.</SynopsisText></synopsis>
<actions>
<statusdate>1/23/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz</action>
<statusdate>1/30/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>First Reading</action>
<statusdate>1/30/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Referred to Rules Committee</action>
<statusdate>2/17/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee</action>
<statusdate>2/18/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez</action>
<statusdate>3/27/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee</action>
</actions>
</xml>
