A new law aims to protect Illinois residents and the press from retaliatory lawsuits.

Senate Bill 1181 expands protections for individuals and the press against lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, regardless of the motive behind the lawsuit, according to a community announcement.

The law was introduced after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the state's anti-SLAPP law does not cover media outlets or journalists. SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation and refers to lawsuits that may discourage people or organizations from speaking out by creating legal and financial burdens.

State Sen. Steve Stadelman filed the legislation, which aims to strengthen the state's Citizens Participation Act, according to the announcement.

“As a former news anchor

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