PA SB1024

Renames Pennsylvania's "ethnic intimidation" offense to "hate-based intimidation" and expands protected categories to include ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability, in addition to existing protections for race, color, religion, and national origin.

Expands the underlying crimes that can trigger hate-based intimidation charges to include personal injury crimes resulting in bodily injury (as defined in the Crime Victims Act), arson and property destruction offenses, and criminal trespass.

Creates civil liability not only against the direct perpetrator but also against anyone who solicited the actor or knowingly provided aid with intent to facilitate the hate-based conduct.

Establishes civil remedies including general and special damages (minimum $500), punitive damages, attorney fees and costs, and injunctive relief for victims of hate-based intimidation or institutional vandalism.

Includes religious freedom protections stating the law cannot be used to prohibit, limit, or punish religiously motivated speech or conduct protected by the U.S. Constitution, Pennsylvania Constitution, or the Religious Freedom Protection Act; takes effect 60 days after enactment.