Bill > HB478

This bill establishes enhanced penalties for hate crimes by creating a new section of law that allows for an increased prison sentence if a defendant is convicted of certain crimes and it's proven that the offense was intentionally committed because of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. This enhancement would be determined by a jury in a separate hearing after conviction, and the increased sentence would vary based on the severity of the original crime, with no eligibility for early release for those receiving an enhanced sentence. The bill also creates a new offense for using hate symbols to intimidate, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and amends existing laws to include broader categories of protected characteristics in law enforcement training and crime reporting. Additionally, it repeals existing statutes related to hate crimes and victim definitions.

Justice

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb478.html