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HB 385

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

Illinois HB 385 updates criminal law regarding technology offenses, advancing through committee with bipartisan support but awaiting final legislative approval.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 385

Legislative bill overview

HB 385 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 late May 2025, with its deadline extended to May 31.

Why is this important

Technology-related criminal statutes are increasingly necessary as digital crimes evolve faster than existing law. Clarifying or updating Illinois's tech crime definitions affects how prosecutors handle cybercrime, identity theft, unauthorized access, and related offenses that impact residents' digital security and privacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of criminalization: Unclear whether the bill creates new offenses or refines existing ones; overly broad tech crime definitions can criminalize legitimate security research or gray-area conduct
  • Due process concerns: Technology law must balance law enforcement tools with protecting individuals' privacy and freedom from unreasonable search/seizure
  • Implementation clarity: Prosecutors and law enforcement need precise definitions to apply the law consistently; vague language creates enforcement disparities

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

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