IL HB3738

Amends Illinois hate crime law to include attacks motivated by a person's actual or perceived employment as a peace officer as a basis for hate crime charges.

Hate crime is classified as a Class 4 felony for first offense and Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses, or Class 3 felony for first offense if committed at religious institutions, cemeteries, schools, public parks, ethnic/religious centers, or within 1,000 feet of these locations.

Requires courts to impose restitution or fines and mandate at least 200 hours of community service for probation or conditional discharge sentences.

Requires offenders on probation or conditional discharge to enroll in educational programs discouraging hate crimes, to be attended in-person by organizations such as universities, nonprofits, or the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission.

Allows victims of hate crimes to bring civil actions for actual damages (including emotional distress), punitive damages, and civil penalties up to $25,000, with attorney's fees and costs included in judgments.