NY A10979

Changes hate crime evidence standard from "does not constitute legally sufficient evidence" to creating a "rebuttable presumption of evidence and prima facie case" based on proof of defendant or victim's race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Increases minimum sentences for hate crimes involving Class B felonies: from 6 to 10 years (indeterminate), from 8 to 10 years (determinate section 70.02), from 12 to 15 years (determinate section 70.04), from 4 to 6 years (indeterminate section 70.05), and from 10 to 15 years (section 70.06).

Increases minimum sentence for hate crimes involving Class A-1 felonies from 20 to 25 years.

Changes hate crime prevention and education programs from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") requirement as part of sentencing.

Requires courts to impose a monetary fine equating the cost of prosecution for hate crime convictions.