Bill > S437

This bill, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, aims to increase the scope and punishment of hate crimes in North Carolina. It adds gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and sexual orientation to the list of protected characteristics covered under hate crime laws. The bill also creates a hate crimes statistics database, requires law enforcement training on identifying and reporting hate crimes, and mandates training for prosecutors on prosecuting hate crimes. The bill increases the punishment for certain misdemeanor and felony offenses committed due to bias, and allows victims and their families to seek civil remedies, including damages and restorative justice sessions. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen North Carolina's response to and reporting of hate crimes.