IL HB5789

Expands false personation under Illinois Criminal Code to include knowingly and falsely representing oneself as another actual person with intent to injure reputation or fraudulently represent oneself to that person's online contacts.

Creates new crime of creating fictitious online personas or accounts using another person's picture, name, or likeness without permission, with intent to commit fraud, cause emotional distress, injure reputation, or contact the person's online contacts.

Adds harassment through electronic communications offense for creating fictitious online accounts without permission using another person's identifying information with specified harmful intents.

Clarifies that false personation violations under sections (a)(1) through (a)(7) and subsection (e) can be accomplished in person or by any means of communication, including internet websites and electronic communications.

Modifies sentencing provisions for harassment offenses to classify violations by severity, ranging from petty offenses to Class 1 felonies depending on the specific conduct and circumstances.