HB 3495
Prohibiting civil rights violations based on disability, gender identity or sexual orientation
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 3495, known as "Angel’s Law", prohibits discrimination and violence based on disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation in West Virginia. It establishes a felony offense for intentionally targeting individuals due to these characteristics and outlines penalties, including potential alternative sentencing options. The bill also specifies that evidence of constitutionally protected speech or associations is generally inadmissible in criminal cases unless directly related to the crime and demonstrating intent to target a specific victim.
Key provisions
- Prohibits violence and intimidation based on disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Establishes a felony offense for intentionally targeting individuals due to these characteristics.
- Provides for potential alternative sentencing, including community corrections programs.
- Specifies that evidence of constitutionally protected speech or associations is not admissible unless directly related to the crime and demonstrating intent to target a specific victim.
- Includes a provision regarding sentencing for conspiracy to commit crimes based on these characteristics.
- Considers the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or sex as aggravating factors.
- Allows for deferred adjudication under specific state code sections.
- Defines the bill as "Angel’s Law"
Who is affected
- Individuals with disabilities
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
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