CIV PRO-DECLARATORY JUDGMENT Senate SponsorsSen. Don Harmon House Sponsors(Rep. Jack D. Franks) 1/8/2013SenateSession Sine Die 735 ILCS 5/2-701from Ch. 110, par. 2-701735 ILCS 5/2-701.5 new735 ILCS 110/15735 ILCS 110/21 newAmends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides for a declaratory judgment in an action concerning defamation, slander, or libel. Makes findings concerning defamation, slander, and libel. Defines: "mass media" to include newspapers and periodicals and radio, television, satellite, and Internet broadcast media; and "person" to mean a natural person. Provides that a person alleging defamation may bring a declaratory judgment action by showing that: the defendant's statement damaged the plaintiff's reputation, was published, and was false. Provides that in these actions: (i) the court must find a compelling need for any discovery; and (ii) the plaintiff must prove his or her case by clear and convincing evidence. Provides that no damages may be awarded to a plaintiff. Provides that a plaintiff who prevails shall be awarded attorney's fees, not to exceed $10,000, but only after the court considers: plaintiff's endeavors to obtain a retraction; the information supplied by the plaintiff to the defendant; defendant's timely steps to provide a retraction; plaintiff's reasonable belief that the statement damaged his or her reputation; and the complexity of the litigation. Provides that if the defendant prevails and the court finds that it was a frivolous action, the defendant is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Bars any other action based on the same allegations. Sets a one-year statute of limitations. Makes other changes. Amends the Citizen Participation Act. Provides that although the Act applies to a motion to dispose of a claim on the grounds that the claim is based on a party's First Amendment rights, the Act does not apply to a declaratory judgment action for defamation, slander, or libel. Provides that if a party files a motion to dispose of a claim on the grounds that the claim is based on a party's First Amendment rights and in response a declaratory judgment action concerning defamation, slander, or libel is filed, there must be a dismissal of that party's action brought under the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with similar provisions except that the amendment provides: additional findings concerning protection of a person's reputation; that the Act is in derogation of the common law; and that a court may only order a mass media defendant to publish a note in its own medium, if the defendant agrees. Effective immediately. 2/10/2011SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Don Harmon 2/10/2011SenateFirst Reading 2/10/2011SenateReferred to Assignments 3/2/2011SenateAssigned to Judiciary 3/10/2011SenatePostponed - Judiciary 3/15/2011SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Don Harmon 3/15/2011SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments 3/15/2011SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Judiciary 3/15/2011SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted 3/15/2011SenateDo Pass as Amended Judiciary; 010-000-000 3/15/2011SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 16, 2011 4/8/2011SenateSecond Reading 4/8/2011SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 11, 2011 4/15/2011SenateThird Reading - Passed; 059-000-000 4/15/2011HouseArrived in House 4/15/2011HousePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading 4/15/2011HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Jack D. Franks 4/15/2011HouseReferred to Rules Committee 4/25/2011HouseAssigned to Judiciary I - Civil Law Committee 5/3/2011HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jack D. Franks 5/3/2011HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee 5/4/2011HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary I - Civil Law Committee 5/13/2011HouseCommittee Deadline Extended-Rule 9(b) May 20, 2011 5/20/2011HouseFinal Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 27, 2011 5/27/2011HouseFinal Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2011 5/31/2011HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 5/31/2011HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40 1/8/2013SenateSession Sine Die