Bill > HB1020

This bill creates a sentence enhancement for certain offenses committed against a person due to the person's attributes, including race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, homelessness, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, disability, or service in the U.S. Armed Forces. It also requires an annual report concerning the commission of hate crimes in Arkansas. The bill provides definitions for "disability" and specifies that the state may not seek a sentence enhancement for certain sex-related offenses. It also increases the penalty for bringing a frivolous, groundless, or malicious prosecution that seeks a sentence enhancement under this law. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to submit quarterly reports on hate crimes to the Attorney General, who must publish an annual summary and report on the data.

Justice

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?tbType=&id=hb1020&ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021R