CRIM CD-EAVESDROP-EXEMPT

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Exempts from an eavesdropping violation any recording of a conversation that occurs in any place open to the public, if the recording is made by a person, not a law enforcement officer or agent of a law enforcement officer, who is a party to the conversation. Decreases the penalty for eavesdropping from a Class 4 felony for a first offense to a Class A misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense from a Class 3 felony to a Class 4 felony. Deletes provision that the eavesdropping of an oral conversation or an electronic communication of any law enforcement officer, State's Attorney, Assistant State's Attorney, the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, or a judge, while in the performance of his or her official duties, if not authorized by the Eavesdropping Article or proper court order, is a Class 3 felony, and for a second or subsequent offense, is a Class 2 felony. Effective immediately.