Bill
SD 177
Overview: Bill Number: SD 177, Title: An Act relative to hate crimes, Status: Proposed bill, Introduced: November 29, 2025Purpose and Intent: The primary purpose of this legislatio
Overview: Bill Number: SD 177, Title: An Act relative to hate crimes, Status: Proposed bill, Introduced: November 29, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The primary purpose of this legislation is to strengthen the state's laws against hate crimes and provide enhanced protections for individuals and communities targeted based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.
Key Provisions:
- Expands the definition of hate crimes to include offenses motivated by bias against a person's disability, immigration status, or military service.
- Increases criminal penalties for hate crimes, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
- Establishes a dedicated hate crimes unit within the state's attorney general's office to investigate and prosecute such cases.
- Mandates hate crime awareness and prevention training for all state and local law enforcement officers.
- Creates a grant program to support community-based organizations that provide services and assistance to hate crime victims.
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would directly impact individuals and communities that have historically been the targets of hate crimes and bias-motivated violence. It would also affect law enforcement agencies, the criminal justice system, and community organizations that work to address and prevent hate crimes. The enhanced penalties and increased resources for investigation and prosecution could lead to more effective deterrence and accountability for hate-motivated offenses.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been introduced in the state senate and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If passed, the new hate crime provisions would take effect within 6 months, allowing time for the necessary training and implementation of the new policies and programs.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
