Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · January 30, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced January 22, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB479

AN ACT relating to hate crimes.

Repeal and reenact KRS 532.031 to define "gender identity or expression"; list the actions that qualify as hate crimes; list the actual or perceived characteristics a person must have in order to qualify as a victim of a hate crime; outline penalties for a person guilty of a hate crime; set forth criteria for seeking an enhanced sentence; amend KRS 15.334 and to add characteristics of a victim to be considered when determining the cause…

Civil Actions Crime Victims Crimes and Punishments Peace Officers and Law Enforcement Corrections Impact

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This bill rewrites Kentucky's hate crime law to update which characteristics can make someone a victim of a hate crime, including adding gender identity or expression, and spells out penalties and when a judge can increase a sentence. It also allows victims to sue in civil court for damages even if there is no criminal conviction, and requires law enforcement agencies to train officers on hate crimes and maintain written hate crime policies in order to receive certain state funding. Who it may affect: crime victims, law enforcement agencies and officers, and local governments that receive state law enforcement funding.

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