MN SF4590

Expands the definition of bias-motivated crimes to include gender identity, gender expression, and marital status alongside existing protected categories like race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.

Increases penalties for bias-motivated assault and property damage crimes, with assault motivated by bias subject to up to one year imprisonment or $3,000 fine, and repeat offenders within five years facing felony charges with enhanced penalties.

Requires peace officers to report all suspected bias-motivated crimes to their department heads, with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension adopting standardized reporting forms and tracking offense details and bias type.

Mandates the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training update training courses every three years on identifying, responding to, and reporting bias crimes, with the Commissioner of Human Rights consulting on course content and approval.

Appropriates unspecified funding to the Commissioner of Human Rights for collecting community reports on bias crimes and to the Office of Justice Programs for victim support services and grants to nonprofit organizations.