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By Josh Sharp and Don Craven, Illinois Press Association
Some of you may have already been impacted by new laws, effective Jan. 1. One of those laws, Public Act 100-0927, started as a very bad piece of legislation from a news reporting perspective. The bill as originally introduced would have unconstitutionally required that the media industry in Illinois remove or expunge coverage of certain criminal record information, free of charge, within 30 days after a request by the subject of that information.
However, thanks to our lobbying efforts in Springfield, the final bill was not of major significance. The IPA was able to secure an amendment that exempted the news media from any changes to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and removed any unfavorable changes to the Freedom of Information Act.
Nevertheless, even as of this writing, it is clear that early drafts of the legislation (SB 2560) which were not part of the final bill, are causing some confusion among our members. To be clear, Public Act 100-0927 added language to the Freedom of Information Act, section 2.15, dealing exclusively with the release of mugshots by law enforcement officers. Prior to the enactment of Public Act 100-0927, section 2.15 read as follows:
“(a) Arrest reports. The following chronologically maintained arrest and criminal history information maintained by State or local criminal justice agencies shall be furnished as soon as practical, but in no event later than 72 hours after the arrest, notwithstanding the time limits otherwise provided for in Section 3 of this Act: (i) information that identifies the individual, including the name, age, address, and photograph, when and if available; (ii) information detailing any charges relating to the arrest; (iii) the time and location of the arrest; (iv) the name of the investigating or arresting law enforcement agency; (v) if the individual is incarcerated, the amount of any bail or bond; and (vi) if the individual is incarcerated, the time and date that the individual was received into, discharged from, or transferred from the arresting agency's custody.”
That language referenced above was NOT changed, and remains in full force and effect.
The amendment below to Section 2.15 relates only to the posting of mugshots by law enforcement offices on their own social media websites, and only for relatively minor offenses:
“(e) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (a), a law enforcement agency may not publish booking photographs, commonly known as “mugshots”, on its social media website in connection with civil offenses, petty offenses, business offenses, Class C misdemeanors, and Class B misdemeanors unless the booking photograph is posted to social media to assist in the search for a missing person or to assist in the search for a fugitive, person of interest, or individual wanted in relation to a crime other than a petty offense, business offense, Class C misdemeanor, or Class B misdemeanor.”
Importantly, you will note there is no prohibition on posting mugshots on the official website of the law enforcement agency, nor is there a prohibition in providing the mugshots to members of the news media. To the contrary, the language previously discussed in Section (a) requires the production of those photos.
Other changes made by Public Act 100-0927 deal with the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and apply only to for-profit publications and websites that post mugshots, and then demand a ransom to take the photos down. The law sets up a procedure to allow “victims” to demand the photo be taken down. Again, these changes to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act DO NOT APPLY TO THE NEWS MEDIA.
If you get a demand to take down a story or a mugshot, obviously consult with your own attorney, but do not be fooled by the demand letter, thinking you have to immediately remove the information. If local law enforcement tells you the statute on mugshots has changed, please invite them to read the entire public act. There are no changes in Public Act 100-0927 that regulate the news media in Illinois.
For additional information, please CONTACT:
Josh Sharp, Executive Vice President & COO, Illinois Press Association
217-241-1300 – Office
Jsharp@illinoispress.org
Don Craven, General Counsel, Illinois Press Association
217-544-1777 –Office
Don@cravenlawoffice.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2025 Contact Information: Media Contact: Garth Reynolds, executive director Illinois Pharmacists Association Phone: (217) 522-7300 Email: greynolds@ipha.org Website: ipha.org | @ILPharmacists
IPhA applauds historic passage of HB1697: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act
IPhA applauds historic passage of HB1697: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act comprehensive PBM reform law strengthens patient protections and supports community pharmacies statewide
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) celebrates the General Assembly’s passage of HB1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, a landmark achievement in the fight to protect patients, enhance transparency, and preserve access to pharmacy care across Illinois. This legislation was a central focus of Governor JB Pritzker’s 2025 State of the State address, where he emphasized the need to confront harmful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that have driven up drug costs, jeopardized local pharmacies, and strained patient access to care. HB1697 now delivers on that call to action with sweeping, enforceable reforms. “I am thrilled that this legislation will finally reverse the alarming trend of pharmacy closures across our great state,” IPhA President Dave Bagot said. “HB1697 represents not just a policy victory, but a commitment to preserving access to essential health care services in communities throughout Illinois.” IPhA extends its sincere gratitude to Senator David Koehler and Representative Natalie Manley for championing this legislation. Their leadership has resulted in one of the most significant PBM reform packages in the country, built on transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care. HB1697 directly targets systemic failures in the prescription drug marketplace. The law eliminates spread pricing that has diverted millions away from patient care, ends PBM steering practices that restrict pharmacy choice, and mandates 100 percent rebate passthrough to ensure savings are returned to patients and health plans. It also institutes robust regulatory oversight through required annual transparency reports, plan audits, and market conduct examinations. The bill also provides vital financial relief to the state’s most vulnerable pharmacies. HB1697 allocates $45 million annually to sustain critical access pharmacies and invests an additional $25 million to enhance pharmacy access. These provisions are designed to stop the ongoing wave of pharmacy closures and restore access in both rural and urban areas. “This bill is a turning point. Illinois is making it clear that we will no longer allow corporate middlemen to undermine patient care and community health,” said Garth Reynolds, executive director of IPhA. “HB1697 restores transparency, puts patients first, and gives independent and community pharmacies a fair chance to survive and serve.” HB1697 would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy of pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and patients across the state. As the legislation now heads to Governor Pritzker for signature, IPhA remains focused on supporting its full implementation and defending its critical protections. “We reached this moment because our profession stood united and refused to accept the status quo,” Reynolds added. “This law is a meaningful step forward in building a health care system that works for Illinois patients.” About the Illinois Pharmacists Association The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) is dedicated to enhancing the professional competency of pharmacists, advancing the standards of pharmacy practice, improving pharmacists’ effectiveness in assuring rational drug use in society, and leading in the resolution of public policy issues affecting pharmacists.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025 Contact Information: Contact: Campaign Team Campaign Office - Long for Senate 2026 Phone: (618) 209-2261 Email: vote@longforsenate2026.com Website: www.LongForSenate2026.com
Dr. Pamela Denise Long announces bold 2026 U.S. Senate bid to reclaim Illinois' voice in Washington Madison County resident, conservative educator, and national policy advocate enters race to challenge political dysfunction and defend working families
EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois — [May 21, 2025] — Dr. Pamela Denise Long, a nationally recognized educator and principled conservative voice, today announced her candidacy for the United States Senate in Illinois. Running as a Republican, Dr. Long is positioning her campaign as a direct challenge to the entrenched political class and a call to restore integrity, public safety, and economic security for the people of Illinois. As Republicans pursue a permanent “big tent” majority in federal and state government, Long brings a rare crossover appeal to the Black American community. “I’m not a career politician, and I’m not for sale,” said Dr. Long. “I’m running because Illinois deserves more than finger pointing and lip service in Washington. We deserve a senator who will fight for families, pursue consistent criminal justice, and say what needs to be said — even when it’s not politically convenient.” Denise, who holds a Doctorate in Education and has served as a public health leader, trauma-informed consultant, and university instructor, brings a record of real-world problem solving to the race. A proud seventh-generation American and dedicated Illinoisan, she has spent her life helping working-class families, supporting parental rights, and framing common-sense reform at every level of government. Her campaign platform includes:
Born in Mississippi, Dr. Long is a first-generation college graduate, member of a 150-plus-years farming family in Illinois, and former homeschooling parent of a recent college graduate. She is known for her national commentary on outlets like Newsweek, The Hill, and Fox News, for her grassroots leadership about curbing mass immigration, her courageous debates on reining in divisive ideologies in education, and her push for accountability in use of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). “Illinois is a diverse state with shared values: faith, family, work, and a fighter’s spirit,” said Long. “Illinois Republicans are not looking for permission to be heard — we’re taking a seat at the table to deliver real results. It’s time to send someone to D.C. who owes nothing to the establishment and everything to the people.” Pamela Denise Long will begin her campaign with a statewide listening tour and weekly virtual town halls. The campaign is actively organizing in all 102 counties and plans to engage voters across every region — from Chicago to Cairo. For more information or to get involved, visit www.LongForSenate2026.com or follow the campaign @Long4Illinois on X. Paid for by Long for Senate 2026 – PO BOX 573 Edwardsville, IL 62025
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