WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 4982

Relating to hate crimes, including criminal and civil liability for those crimes and the hate crime prevention grant program; increasing a criminal penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Vikki Goodwin

HB 4982 strengthens Texas hate crime penalties, adds civil liability options, and funds bias-crime prevention programs targeting identity-based violence.

Referred to State Affairs
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #commissiononlawenforcement #texas(v1064) #crimevictims(s0046) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #criminalprocedure--sentencing&punishment(i0205) #hatecrimes(s9100) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #texashatecrimesprevention&victimprotectionact(pd6yj)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4982

Legislative bill overview

HB 4982 expands Texas hate crime law by increasing criminal penalties for hate-motivated offenses and establishing civil liability provisions for those crimes. The bill also creates or modifies a hate crime prevention grant program designed to support communities and organizations working to prevent bias-motivated incidents.

Why is this important

Hate crimes carry distinct legal consequences because they target individuals based on protected characteristics like race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. This bill's enhanced penalties and civil remedies could increase deterrence and provide victims additional legal avenues for justice, while the grant program could fund prevention efforts in vulnerable communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional disputes: Disagreement over which characteristics qualify as protected classes and how "hate motivation" is proven in court, potentially affecting free speech and intent standards
  • Penalty increases: Concerns from criminal justice reform advocates about enhanced sentences and their impact on incarceration rates versus support from victims' rights groups
  • Grant program funding: Questions about budget allocation, which communities receive resources, and whether prevention programs are evidence-based or political in nature
  • Civil liability scope: Debate over whether expanded civil remedies could lead to frivolous lawsuits or appropriately hold perpetrators accountable beyond criminal systems

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

Sign in to ask a question.