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HB 419

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 419 modernizes Illinois criminal law to address technology-enabled offenses, advancing through committee but facing ongoing procedural review in rules process.

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Bill Summary · HB 419

Legislative bill overview

HB 419 is an Illinois criminal law bill focused on technology-related offenses, introduced by Rep. Chris Welch. The bill has advanced through committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation but remains in the rules process as of May 2025. Specific provisions are not detailed in the action history provided.

Why is this important

Technology-related criminal law is increasingly relevant as digital crimes evolve faster than statutory frameworks. This bill represents Illinois's attempt to modernize criminal statutes to address contemporary tech-enabled offenses, which affects law enforcement capabilities, prosecution standards, and criminal penalties for technology misuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining scope of "tech crimes": Technology offenses can be broadly interpreted, raising concerns about whether definitions are precise enough to avoid unintended consequences or over-criminalization
  • Due process and privacy implications: Enhanced surveillance or investigation powers for tech crimes may conflict with Fourth Amendment protections and digital privacy expectations
  • Penalty proportionality: Questions about whether criminal penalties for tech offenses are appropriately calibrated relative to harm caused and comparable offenses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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