IL SB1380

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to add actual or perceived employment as a peace officer, correctional institution employee, probation officer, parole officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel as a basis for hate crime charges.

Hate crime is a Class 4 felony for a first offense and Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses when motivated by the victim's employment status in these professions.

Hate crime becomes a Class 3 felony for a first offense and Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses when committed at religious buildings, cemeteries, schools, public parks, ethnic/religious community centers, or within 1,000 feet of these locations.

Trial courts must order restitution to victims or impose fines up to $1,000, require at least 200 hours of community service as a probation condition, and mandate hate crime education programs if property damage involved religious fixtures.

Victims of hate crimes may bring civil lawsuits for actual damages including emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and costs, with parental liability capped under the Parental Responsibility Law.