S 1262
An Act relative to hate crimes
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act relative to hate crimes,’ aims to strengthen the state’s response to hate crimes. It seeks to enhance the definition of hate crimes and provide additional resources for investigating and prosecuting these offenses. The bill also intends to improve victim support and awareness regarding hate crimes within the state. It is currently under review by the Senate Committee on The Judiciary.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘hate crime’ to include a broader range of protected characteristics.
- Increases funding for law enforcement agencies to investigate hate crimes.
- Establishes a grant program to support victim services and support organizations.
- Requires training for law enforcement officers on identifying and responding to hate crimes.
- Creates a public awareness campaign to educate the public about hate crimes.
- Mandates reporting requirements for incidents that may constitute hate crimes.
- Allows for the designation of ‘hate crime’ status in criminal records.
- Provides for enhanced penalties for hate crime offenses.
Who is affected
- Victims of hate crimes
- Law enforcement agencies
- Community organizations
- The general public
- Individuals targeted by hate crimes
Notable changes
- The bill expands the definition of what constitutes a hate crime.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
Cosponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill S.1262 194th (Current)
An Act relative to hate crimes
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1262) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to hate crimes. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Bruce E. Tarr Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill S.1262
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 11/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 11/25/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 11/26/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 2/12/2026 | Senate | Reporting date extended to Monday March 2, 2026 |
| 2/26/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
S.1026 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act relative to hate crimes
S.1138 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act relative to hate crimes
S.1121 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act relative to hate crimes
H.1841 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the intimidation of witnesses and interfering with justice
H.4064 194th (Current)
An Act to safeguard judicial integrity through enhanced witness protection
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.