Bill > HB1902

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to expand the definition of "ethnic intimidation" to "hate-based intimidation," broadening the protected characteristics to include race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability, and clarifying that this offense can occur when a person commits a personal injury crime, property destruction, or criminal trespass against an individual or their property due to hatred based on these characteristics. It also allows individuals who suffer harm from hate-based intimidation to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages (including emotional distress and punitive damages), attorney fees, and other relief, and clarifies that these provisions do not prohibit or punish religiously motivated speech or conduct protected by law. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual training for law enforcement officers on identifying, addressing, reporting, and record-keeping related to hate-based intimidation, developed in consultation with community and legal stakeholders.