IL HB5338

Amends Section 12-6.4 of the Criminal Code of 2012 to add a new offense of criminal street gang recruitment that applies beyond school grounds.

Creates a general prohibition on recruiting, soliciting, or inducing any person to join or remain a member of a criminal street gang, classified as a Class 4 felony.

Elevates the offense to a Class 3 felony when the person recruited, solicited, or induced is a minor (under 18 years of age).

Maintains existing Class 1 felony offenses for gang recruitment on school grounds or public property adjacent to school grounds, and for gang recruitment of minors involving threats of physical force.

Defines "criminal street gang" by reference to the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act and includes recruitment conducted through Internet, telecommunications devices, or in-person communication.