Proposed Illinois Bill Cracks Down on Online Drug Advertising

A new Illinois bill is looking to crack down on the sale and advertising of pharmaceutical drugs on social media - specifically by individuals and unverified accounts.

Illinois Senate Bill 3046 has quickly moved to the Illinois Senate Executive Committee.  If passed, it would be known as the Sale of Pharmaceuticals on Social Media Act.  The proposal focuses on people posing as credible sources online while selling or promoting pharmaceutical drugs.

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Proposed Illinois Bill Cracks Down on Online Drug Advertising

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Under this bill, the sale and advertisement of, again, pharmaceutical drugs on social media would be prohibited when posts come from individuals when posts come from individuals or accounts that are not verified.  Lawmakers say the goal is to prevent misleading or potentially dangerous drug promotions from spreading online.

The bill would not impact platform-confirmed posts from well-known companies or legitimate businesses.  Verified pharmaceutical companies and properly authorized entities would still be allowed to share information under the proposal.

The legislation was introduced by Republican State Senator Susan Rezin, who represents Illinois' 38th Senate District, which includes committees east of Joliet.  Currently, the bill doesn't specify any penalties.  Those could be added when the measure is presented to and discussed by the committee, but another senator or senators would need to formally propose the penalties and amend the language of the bill to include them.

Related: Illinois Lawmakers Want to Make This Illegal Starting June 1

If approved, the bill would return to the Senate floor for a second reading.  During that state, lawmakers would review any changes made since the first reading, including potential additions like penalties or other amendments.  If those changes are approved, the bill would then move to a third party reading, where it would be voted on.  If it passes the Senate, the bill would then head to the Illinois House of Representatives, where the process would begin again.