HB3329 Summary

• Establishes enhanced criminal penalties for hate crimes, creating a Class 1 felony if committed by someone 18+ while armed with a firearm or if the victim is under 18 years old.

• Makes hate crimes involving crimes of violence Class X felonies, with mandatory sentences of 15-60 years imprisonment; permits natural life sentences if the underlying offense is first degree murder committed based on victim's protected characteristics.

• Prohibits probation, periodic imprisonment, or conditional discharge for hate crime offenders; limits sentence credit to 4.5 days per month for prisoners serving sentences for hate crimes described in the bill.

• Requires hate crime offenders on probation or conditional discharge to complete 200+ hours of community service and enroll in educational programs discouraging hate crimes; allows civil actions for hate crime victims with damages up to $25,000 per violation.

• Adds hate crime convictions under the new enhanced provisions to the list of offenses for which probation, periodic imprisonment, and conditional discharge cannot be imposed.