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Bill

HB 387

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

Illinois bill modernizes criminal statutes to prosecute technology-enabled offenses and cyber crimes with updated legal definitions and penalties.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 387

Legislative bill overview

HB 387 addresses criminal law applications to technology-related offenses in Illinois. The bill modifies existing criminal statutes to address contemporary tech crimes and cyber-related activities that current law may not adequately cover or define.

Why is this important

As technology evolves, criminal conduct using digital tools—such as unauthorized access, data theft, deepfakes, or online harassment—often falls into legal gray areas or outdated statutes. Updating criminal law definitions ensures law enforcement can effectively prosecute tech-enabled crimes while protecting Illinois residents from digital threats.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "technology" crimes too broadly could inadvertently criminalize legitimate cybersecurity research, testing, or educational activities if language isn't precisely calibrated
  • First Amendment concerns if the bill addresses offenses like deepfakes or online content creation—determining where free speech ends and criminal conduct begins is legally contentious
  • Due process and vagueness — overly broad definitions of tech crimes risk being challenged as unconstitutionally vague, making prosecution uncertain and creating unequal enforcement

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

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