IL HB0397

Eliminates the requirement that stalking involve at least 2 separate occasions and removes the "knowingly" language, replacing it with a "course of conduct" standard.

Defines stalking as engaging in conduct directed at another person or their family member that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened, and that actually causes such feelings.

Defines "course of conduct" to include repeated visual or physical proximity, non-consensual communication, or verbal, written, electronic, tracking, or implied threats.

Removes prior law provisions creating a separate stalking offense for individuals previously convicted of stalking and eliminates detailed definitions of "follows," "places under surveillance," and "transmits a threat."

Maintains stalking as a Class 4 felony for first conviction and Class 3 felony for subsequent convictions, with exemptions for lawful labor dispute picketing and exercises of free speech or assembly rights.