HB 1164: Hate Crimes

This bill expands the categories of victims that qualify for enhanced penalties under Mississippi's hate crime laws, meaning that if a crime is committed because of a victim's actual or perceived characteristics, the punishment can be increased. Specifically, it adds "disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity" to the list of protected characteristics, alongside existing categories like race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and gender. The bill also clarifies that these enhanced penalties apply if the crime is committed because of the victim's perceived employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician. The enhanced penalties can include doubling the authorized prison term or fine, or both, and this change will take effect on July 1, 2026.