The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding aggravated criminal damage by expanding the definition of the offense. Under the new law, it would be classified as aggravated criminal damage if a person interferes with or prevents the normal function of utility infrastructure or property, in addition to the existing provisions that include defacing or damaging such property for the purpose of obtaining nonferrous metals. This change is reflected in the insertion of new language that specifies these actions as part of the offense.

Additionally, the bill updates the thresholds for classifying the severity of the offense based on the amount of damage caused. The current law's language regarding damage amounts would be modified to clarify that $10,000 or more in damages constitutes a class 3 felony, while damages of $1,500 or more but less than $10,000 would be classified as a class 4 felony. Furthermore, the bill includes the cost of lost utility service as a factor in determining the total damages, thereby broadening the scope of what is considered when assessing the impact of the crime.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-1604