Bill > HB1902

This bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding hate-based intimidation by expanding protections and establishing new training requirements. The bill modifies the existing ethnic intimidation statute to broaden the definition of protected characteristics, now including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability, in addition to existing categories like race, color, and national origin. It changes the terminology from "ethnic intimidation" to "hate-based intimidation" and clarifies that the offense involves committing a personal injury crime or property-related offense with malicious intent toward a specific group or individual. The bill also enhances civil rights protections by allowing individuals who experience hate-based intimidation to seek injunctions, damages, and other legal remedies, including potential punitive damages and attorney fees. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual training for law enforcement officers on identifying, addressing, reporting, and documenting hate-based intimidation, requiring consultation with community stakeholders and involving agencies like the Pennsylvania State Police and Human Relations Commission. The training will cover methods to recognize and respond to hate-based intimidation and enforcement-related bias, and applies to a wide range of law enforcement personnel, from municipal police to campus and county park officers. The bill takes effect 60 days after its passage, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing hate-motivated offenses in Pennsylvania.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1902