Bill > SB1024

This bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding hate-based crimes and civil rights protections by expanding the definition of hate-based intimidation and civil rights violations. Specifically, the bill changes the term "ethnic intimidation" to "hate-based intimidation" and broadens the protected characteristics to include gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability, in addition to existing categories like race, color, religion, and national origin. The bill allows individuals who are victims of hate-based crimes to pursue civil actions not only against the primary actor, but also against anyone who solicited or knowingly aided the actor. Victims can seek damages including emotional distress compensation (with a minimum of $500), punitive damages, attorney fees, and other equitable relief. The bill includes a important protection clause ensuring that religiously motivated speech protected by the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions remains safeguarded. The legislation is designed to provide more comprehensive legal recourse for individuals targeted by hate-based crimes and to recognize a wider range of potential discriminatory motivations. The bill will go into effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1024