The City Council of Chicago has passed an ordinance amending the Chicago Municipal Code regarding hate crimes, hate incidents, and unlawful threatening objects. The amendment to Section 2-120-518 clarifies the definition of a "hate incident," which is an action targeting an individual or group based on various characteristics such as race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and involves acts of bias, prejudice, or hostility that could lead to reasonable apprehension of a hate crime, but is not classified as a criminal offense or a violation of the Code, except for violations of Section 8-4-147.

Additionally, Section 8-4-147 has been updated to make it unlawful to leave unattended objects that pose a threat to public safety, such as those that appear to be explosives or contain hazardous materials. It also prohibits leaving hateful or threatening material that could intimidate or threaten others. Businesses are prohibited from promoting their goods or services through such conduct, and individuals aware of public resources being used to address a related public scare must immediately notify the city. The fine for violating this section has been increased to a range of $500 to $4,609 per offense. The ordinance will take effect 10 days after passage and publication.