Bill > HB1052

This bill clarifies and updates Washington state's hate crime statute by modifying the definition and treatment of hate crimes. The legislation expands the definition of a hate crime to include actions committed "in whole or in part" based on the perceived characteristics of a victim, such as race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The bill specifies that a hate crime can involve assaulting another person, damaging or destroying property, or threatening a person or group in a way that causes reasonable fear of harm. The legislation provides specific examples of actions that might be considered evidence of a hate crime, such as burning a cross, defacing property with hate symbols, or placing a noose on someone's property. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it is not a defense if the perpetrator was mistaken about the victim's identity or characteristics. The bill defines key terms like "gender expression or identity" and "sexual orientation" and establishes that a hate crime is a class C felony. The legislation also explicitly states that it does not expand civil rights beyond existing protections and allows for separate prosecution of additional crimes committed during a hate crime.