NC S794

Expands hate crime statutes to include offenses motivated by victim's gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation, in addition to existing protections based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, and country of origin.

Creates new felony offense of "felonious assault as a hate crime" (Class F felony, or Class E if death results or certain sexual offenses are involved) when serious bodily injury is inflicted based on protected characteristics.

Allows civil lawsuits by hate crime victims or immediate family members to recover actual damages (including emotional distress), punitive damages, attorney's fees, and litigation costs.

Establishes State Bureau of Investigation hate crimes statistics database requiring monthly reports from law enforcement agencies, with annual public reports to General Assembly beginning January 15, 2021; appropriates $1,890,000 in nonrecurring funds and $530,000 in recurring funds.

Requires North Carolina Justice Academy to develop training for law enforcement officers on identifying, responding to, and reporting hate crimes, and requires Conference of District Attorneys to develop prosecutor training on prosecuting hate crimes; appropriates $89,547 each for both training programs.