MS SB2424

Amends Mississippi Code sections 99-19-301 and 99-19-305 to add "disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity" to the list of characteristics triggering enhanced penalties for hate crimes.

Expands the definition of victims whose targeting warrants enhanced penalties to include those targeted based on actual or perceived disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in addition to existing categories of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and gender.

Maintains existing enhanced penalty provisions for crimes targeting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians based on their employment.

Requires jury findings beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knew or had reasonable grounds to perceive the victim's protected characteristic and committed the offense with specific intent because of that characteristic.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.