SPRINGFIELD - Vandalizing grain bins and tractors will carry stiffer penalties under a proposal signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday.

Blagojevich signed House Bill 120 as a deterrent against farmland vandalism.

"Our farmers have a short period of time to complete their fieldwork," Blagojevich said in a news release. "Even a small delay to repair or replace equipment that has been senselessly damaged by vandals can cause significant production losses and jeopardize a farmer's financial future."

People causing $300 or less in damage can be sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to three years. If people cause damage costing $100,000 or more, they can be sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 15 years. Trespassing on farmland now can bring a one-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $2,500.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, and state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, pushed the legislation after a spate of vandalism occurred in Macon and McLean Counties in fall 2003, causing an estimated $400,000 in damage.

While two men were caught for vandalizing the vehicles in Macon County, the arsonist responsible for burning a McLean County farm was never caught.

"This new law will send a message to would-be vandals that they will be held accountable for their actions," Mitchell said in a news release.

Blagojevich also signed HB 4020, which allows farmers to pursue civil suits against people that tear up farmland with motorized vehicles.

Both proposals take effect immediately.