House Bill 711 Summary

• Expands the definition of hate crimes beyond race, color, religion, and national origin to include age, disability, military/veteran status, employment status, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, and association with protected groups.

• Increases penalties for misdemeanor hate crimes: Class 2-3 misdemeanors become Class A1 misdemeanors; Class A1-1 misdemeanors become Class H felonies.

• Upgrades intimidation offenses (assault, property damage, threats) motivated by protected characteristics from Class 1 misdemeanor to Class H felony.

• Creates new sentencing enhancement allowing felony convictions motivated by protected characteristics to be elevated one felony class higher, with burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Effective date of December 1, 2017 for offenses committed on or after that date.