HB478
Log in to followAN ACT relating to hate crimes.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 532 to provide an enhanced term of imprisonment for any defendant convicted of certain crimes if the defendant intentionally committed the offense because of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation; amend KRS 15.334 and 17.1523 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 508 to create the offense of using hate symbols to intimidate; repeal KRS 49.320 and 532.03, relating to hate crimes.
Introduced: January 22, 2026
Last action: January 30, 2026
Plain-language summary
This bill would strengthen Kentucky's hate crime laws by adding longer prison sentences for crimes committed because of a victim's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or similar characteristics. It would also create a new criminal offense for using hate symbols to intimidate someone. Existing hate crime statutes would be repealed and replaced with these updated provisions. Who it may affect: Kentuckians who are targeted because of their identity or background, as well as those accused of hate-motivated offenses.
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