IL HB4125

Adds "actual or perceived employment as a peace officer" as a protected class under Illinois hate crime law, making crimes committed against officers based on their occupation subject to hate crime penalties.

First offense hate crimes against officers is a Class 4 felony; second or subsequent offenses are Class 2 felonies, unless committed in specified locations (religious buildings, cemeteries, schools, public parks, ethnic/religious community centers, or within 1,000 feet of these locations) where first offense becomes Class 3 felony.

Applies to assault, battery, aggravated assault, misdemeanor theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, mob action, disorderly conduct, and harassment crimes.

Requires courts to impose restitution or fines based on crime severity and victim injury; mandates minimum 200 hours of community service and enrollment in anti-hate crime educational programs for probation or conditional discharge.

Allows victims of hate crimes to bring civil actions for actual damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, with courts authorized to impose civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation; Attorney General may also bring civil actions for injunctive relief.