MS SB2163

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 99-19-301 and 99-19-305 to add sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability to the list of protected classes for hate crime penalty enhancement.

Expands hate crime penalties to apply when felonies or misdemeanors are committed because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of the victim, joining existing protections for race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and gender.

Maintains existing hate crime protections for crimes targeting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians based on their employment status.

Requires jury determination beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant knew or had reasonable grounds to know the victim's status in a protected class and committed the offense with specific intent because of that status.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.