S. 1529 Summary from "Thomas" U.S. government WEB site
Hate Crimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pages

Summary Date: 1998, January 21st

Bill Summary & Status for the 105th Congress
<http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html>

SPONSOR: Sen Kennedy (introduced 11/13/97)

A bill to enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes.

STATUS: Floor Actions

***NONE***

STATUS: Detailed Legislative History

Senate Actions

Nov 13, 97: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

SUMMARY:

(AS INTRODUCED)

Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for persons who, whether or not acting under color of law, willfully cause bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, firearm, or explosive device, attempt to cause such injury, because of the actual or perceived: (1) race, color, religion, or national origin of any person; and (2) religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person, where in connection with the offense, the defendant or the victim travels in interstate or foreign commerce, uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce, or engages in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or where the offense is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce. [emphasis mine]

(Sec. 5) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for adult defendants who recruit juveniles to assist in the commission of hate crimes.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to State and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations. [emphasis mine]

(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and to DOJ to increase the number of personnel to prevent and respond to alleged violations of provisions regarding interference with specified federally protected activities, such as voting.

Related bill: H.R.3081

WTV Coalition Federal Bill Watch

Washington for Traditional Values Coalition
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