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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-09-25

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates enhanced criminal penalties for acts of violence motivated by a victim's political beliefs, viewpoints, or affiliations. It allows courts to increase felony sentences by one class level, makes offenders ineligible for parole or early release, and permits consideration of political motivation as an aggravating factor in capital cases.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects democratic participation by deterring violence against people based on their political views, candidates, or public expression.
• •They contend that recent high-profile attacks targeting elected officials, candidates, and public figures demonstrate a need for stronger penalties to prevent politically motivated violence and preserve citizens' ability to engage in political discourse without fear of harm.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned about how 'political motivation' is defined and proven, noting the broad language (including 'real or perceived' beliefs and 'affiliations') could be applied unevenly or subjectively.
• •They may also worry that enhanced penalties for politically motivated crimes could chill free speech protections or create unequal sentencing based on prosecutors' interpretations of a defendant's motivations rather than objective criminal conduct.