ATLANTA – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) today announced its support for House Bill 426, which would increase the penalties for hate crimes.
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is proud to celebrate bi-partisan support for House Bill 426, the hate crimes bill,” said Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), chair of the GLBC. “The protected classes that it covers will allow Georgia to have a more accurate count of offenses of this kind. After passing the Judiciary Non-Civil subcommittee on Tuesday and passing the full committee on Wednesday, House Bill 426, on hate crimes, is finally moving forward. This sends a message that Georgia is opposed to hate and discrimination of any kind.”
Under House Bill 426, anyone convicted of a crime that has been determined to have been committed because of the individual’s belief or perception regarding the race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability or physical disability would be subject to increased penalties for these crimes. The sentencing for a misdemeanor hate crime would range from three to 12 months of jail time and a fine up to $5,000. For a hate crime that is of a high and aggravated nature, sentencing would require between six and 12 months of jail time along with a $5,000 fine. Offenders of a felony hate crime would face a minimum of two years in prison.
For more information about House Bill 426, please click here.
Representative Karen Bennett represents the citizens of Districts 94, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services and Regulated Industries committees.
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