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MD HB1452
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/7/2025
Primary Sponsor
Joe Vogel
Click for details
AI Summary
- Revises the definition of "sexual orientation" in hate crime statutes from "male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality" to an individual's identity based on the gender(s) to which they are sexually or emotionally attracted, including others' perceptions of that identity
- Explicitly clarifies that "sexual orientation" does not include gender identity, which is defined separately under existing law
- Creates a new legal definition for "hate bias incident" as acts of hostility or aggression motivated by a victim's protected class status that do not rise to the level of a crime under state or federal law
- Specifies that hate bias incidents include slurs, name-calling, insults, display or distribution of offensive materials targeting protected classes on private property, online, or in public places
- Requires the Department of State Police to collect and analyze information on both hate crimes and hate bias incidents, with quarterly reports to the Commission on Civil Rights; effective October 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Hate Crimes and Hate Bias - Definitions of Sexual Orientation and Hate Bias Incident
Harassment
Last Action
Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
2/27/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/7/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available