HB0102 Summary

• Amends Section 21-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 regarding criminal damage to property offenses, including knowingly damaging another's property, recklessly damaging property by fire or explosive, starting fires on another's land, injuring domestic animals, depositing offensive-smelling compounds, insurance fraud, and shooting firearms at railroad trains.

• Establishes graduated penalties based on damage amount: Class A misdemeanor for damage not exceeding $300; Class 4 felony for damage $300-$10,000; Class 3 felony for damage $10,000-$100,000; Class 2 felony for damage exceeding $100,000, with enhanced penalties for damage to schools, places of worship, farm equipment, or agricultural property.

• Requires courts to impose fines equal to the value of damages when property damage exceeds $10,000 and mandate 30-120 hours of community service for convicted offenders when available.

• Adds definition of "property of another" to include real or personal property in which another person has an interest that the offender cannot legally defeat or impair.

• Creates civil liability for crop damage, allowing owners to recover up to twice the market value of damaged crops in addition to criminal penalties.