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HB4311Introduced in the House

CRIM CD-OBSCENITY CIVIL ACTION

IntroducedHouse Rules

Introduced by Jay Hoffman, District 113

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any person who is harmed by the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material may bring a civil action against the individual or entity responsible for the violation. Provides that the prevailing plaintiff in a civil action under this provision may be entitled to compensatory damages for actual damages suffered as a result of the obscenity violation. Provides that a civil action for obscenity violations under this provision must be brought within 5 years of the discovery of the violation or the harm caused by the violation. Provides that, in any successful civil action, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees in addition to the damages awarded. Provides that a court may grant injunctive relief to prevent further violations of this provision, including the cessation of the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material by the defendant. Provides that the civil action may be brought in the county where the defendant resides, where the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition occurred, or where the plaintiff resides, if applicable.

Where it stands

House Committee Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

March 27, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.

One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.

Bill history

  1. Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

  2. First Reading

  3. Referred to Rules Committee

  4. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan

  5. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly

  6. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart

  7. Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee

  8. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

  9. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

  10. Removed Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan

  11. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan

  12. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

  13. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee

  14. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee

  15. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee

  16. Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

  17. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

  18. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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