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GA HB1311
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/29/2012
Primary Sponsor
Simone Bell
Click for details
AI Summary
- Repeals existing Georgia Code Section 17-10-17 regarding sentencing for bias or prejudice crimes and replaces it with new hate crime sentencing provisions that explicitly protect victims targeted based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin
- Allows judges to increase misdemeanor sentences and fines by 50% (up to the legal maximum) when the trier of fact determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally selected a victim based on a protected characteristic
- Allows judges to add up to five years to felony sentences (not exceeding the legal maximum) for bias-motivated offenses, with discretion to reduce the enhancement for defendants under 18 at the time of the offense
- Requires that persons convicted of a felony with an enhanced hate crime sentence serve at least 90% of the imposed sentence before becoming eligible for parole or early release
- Applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of July 1, 2012
Legislative Description
Criminal procedure; sentencing of defendants; repeal certain provisions
Last Action
House Hopper
3/29/2012
Full Bill Text
No bill text available