720 ILCS 5/21-1.2 – Institutional Vandalism

720 ILCS 5/21-1.2 – Institutional Vandalism

This law makes it a crime to damage certain places, like churches or schools, because of hate or bias against a group of people.

This Illinois law says it’s illegal to knowingly damage property like churches, cemeteries, or schools because of another person or group’s race, religion, gender, or other identifiable traits. The punishment depends on how much damage is done and whether the person has done it before.

(a) A person commits institutional vandalism when they purposely and without permission damage any of these places because of another person or group’s race, religion, background, gender, disability, or similar traits:

1. A church, synagogue, mosque, or other building used for worship or religious purposes.
2. A cemetery, mortuary, or any place used for burying or remembering the dead.
3. A school, educational building, or community center.
4. The land next to and owned or rented by any of the above places.
5. Any personal property inside those places.

(b) Sentence:

1. If the damage is $500 or less, it’s a Class 3 felony. If the damage is more than $500, or if it’s a second time, it’s a Class 2 felony.
2. Anyone found guilty must pay the victim back (restitution) or pay a fine up to $1,000. If they’re put on probation or similar release, they must also do at least 200 hours of community service where the crime occurred. The court may add other probation conditions if needed.

(c) Even if there’s no criminal case, someone who suffers damage or injury from this crime can file a civil lawsuit for money, an order to stop the vandalism, or other help. The court can award money for actual loss, emotional distress, or extra damages meant to punish. The court can also make the vandal pay attorney and court fees. If the offender is a minor, their parents or guardians might have to pay for the damages, up to certain limits set by law.

(d) In this section, “sexual orientation” means what is stated in the Illinois Human Rights Act, Section 1‑103 (paragraph O‑1).

View the full statute here.

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