Bill > SB1198

This bill amends the Illinois Criminal Code to add a new provision to the disorderly conduct statute that specifically addresses false reporting of hate crimes. The bill makes it a criminal offense to knowingly transmit a false report to a peace officer, public officer, or public employee claiming that a hate crime will be committed, is being committed, or has been committed, when the person knows there is no reasonable basis for such a claim. The bill establishes graduated penalties for this offense, with a first offense classified as a Class 2 felony and subsequent offenses as a Class 1 felony, with enhanced penalties if the false report is made in or near specific sensitive locations such as religious buildings, cemeteries, schools, public parks, or ethnic community centers. The penalties are more severe when the false report is made in or near these locations, likely to protect particularly vulnerable communities and spaces. The bill aims to deter malicious false reporting that can cause unnecessary alarm, waste law enforcement resources, and potentially intimidate or harass specific communities. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving time for law enforcement and legal systems to prepare for its implementation.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1198&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104