Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that replaces ethnic intimidation laws with regulations against bias-motivated crime, increases the number of groups that fall under this category, and increases the penalties for perpetrating these crimes.

Highlights:

- Establishes the following categories as protected against bias-motivated crime: disability; gender, gender identity and expression of gender; national origin or ancestry; race, color and ethnicity; religion; sexual orientation; status as a veteran; age; and association with one or more of these groups (Sec. 1). - Establishes the penalty for a misdemeanor motivated by bias as a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both (Sec. 4). - Establishes the minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines for a felony motivated by bias as 50% greater than the minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines for a similar felony not motivated by bias (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text