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S 35

Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Rick Scott

Bill S 35 classifies aggravated cemetery desecration as a hate crime, enhancing protections for communities and ensuring harsher penalties for biased vandalism.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 35

Summary of Bill S 35

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 35
  • Title: Includes aggravated cemetery desecration in the second degree and aggravated cemetery desecration in the first degree as specified offenses for purposes of hate crimes
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced On: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 35 is to enhance the legal framework surrounding hate crimes by explicitly including aggravated cemetery desecration as a specified offense. This aims to address and deter acts of vandalism and desecration of cemeteries that are motivated by bias or hatred against particular groups.

Key Provisions

  • Inclusion of Offenses: The bill proposes to categorize both aggravated cemetery desecration in the first degree and second degree as hate crimes.
  • Definition of Aggravated Cemetery Desecration:
    • First Degree: This may involve more severe acts of desecration, potentially including destruction of graves or memorials that are particularly egregious or targeted.
    • Second Degree: This may cover less severe acts that still constitute significant disrespect or damage to cemetery property.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • Communities: The bill is expected to protect communities, especially those with historical or cultural significance tied to their cemeteries.
    • Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies will have clearer guidelines for prosecuting hate crimes related to cemetery desecration.
    • Victims: Families and communities affected by such acts will have a legal framework that acknowledges the bias behind these crimes, potentially leading to more severe penalties for offenders.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: As of January 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation:
    • S 9297: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
    • A 2346: A companion bill in the Assembly that likely mirrors the provisions of S 35.

Conclusion

Bill S 35 seeks to strengthen the legal response to hate crimes by specifically addressing the desecration of cemeteries. By categorizing these acts as hate crimes, the bill aims to provide justice for affected communities and deter future offenses. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders interested in hate crime legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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