Bill > HB1905

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to expand the definition of "ethnic intimidation" to "hate-based intimidation," broadening the protected characteristics to include not only race, color, religion, and national origin, but also ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability, and clarifies that this offense occurs when someone commits a personal injury crime, property destruction, or criminal trespass with malicious intent motivated by hatred towards these characteristics. Additionally, the bill enhances civil remedies for victims of hate-based intimidation by allowing them to sue not only the perpetrator but also anyone who solicited or knowingly aided the actor, and it specifies that victims can seek damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief, while also ensuring that the law does not infringe upon constitutionally protected religious speech or conduct.