Hate crimes: political affiliation.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Hortman-Kirk Political Violence Prevention Act, expands California’s hate crime laws to include political affiliation as a protected characteristic. It amends existing law to allow courts to consider a defendant’s motivation, in whole or in part, by the victim’s political affiliation when sentencing a felony hate crime. The bill defines ‘political affiliation’ broadly to encompass belonging to a political party, endorsing a political platform, or supporting a politician.
Key provisions
- Adds ‘political affiliation’ to the list of protected characteristics for hate crimes.
- Authorizes courts to consider political affiliation as a circumstance in aggravation during sentencing for hate crimes.
- Defines ‘political affiliation’ as belonging to a political party, endorsing a political platform, or supporting a politician.
- Expands the definition of ‘hate crime’ to include political affiliation.
- Addresses potential reimbursement requirements under the California Constitution, stating no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts.
- Updates definitions within existing Penal Code sections related to hate crimes.
Who is affected
- Criminal defendants
- Victims of hate crimes
- Courts and prosecutors
- Political organizations and individuals
- Local government agencies
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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