MN HF1691

Expands the definition of bias crimes to include crimes motivated by actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, and marital status in addition to existing protected categories.

Amends assault, property damage, and harassment statutes to increase penalties, including making first-time bias-motivated assault punishable by up to one year imprisonment or $3,000 fine, with repeat offenses as felonies.

Requires peace officers to report all suspected bias-motivated crimes to their department head, with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension adopting a standardized reporting form including bias type, victim information, and offense details.

Mandates the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training to approve training courses and review them every three years in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Rights to help officers identify, respond to, and report bias crimes.

Appropriates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2022-2023 to fund staff for the Commissioner of Human Rights, victim support services through nonprofit organizations, and community organization grants for data collection on bias crimes.