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GA SB526
Bill
Status
Introduced
6/18/2020
Primary Sponsor
Ed Harbison
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AI Summary
- Repeals and replaces Georgia Code Section 17-10-17 to establish enhanced sentencing for hate crimes where the defendant intentionally selected victims or property based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability
- Requires the trier of fact to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was selected based on bias before enhanced penalties apply
- Imposes mandatory enhanced sentences: 3–12 months imprisonment and up to $5,000 fine for misdemeanors; 6–12 months imprisonment and up to $5,000 fine for high and aggravated misdemeanors; and not less than 2 years imprisonment for felonies
- Requires the sentencing judge to explicitly state on the record the amount by which the sentence was increased due to the bias-motivated enhancement
- Takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval or upon becoming law without such approval
Legislative Description
Sentencing and Imposition of Punishment; sentencing of defendants for crimes involving bias or prejudice; provisions; repeal
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
6/19/2020
Full Bill Text
No bill text available