The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 980, aims to enhance safety on college campuses by addressing hate incidents and discrimination. It defines a "hate incident" as any speech or conduct motivated by hatred or bias against individuals based on their race, religious identity, or ethnicity. By September 1, 2025, each institution of higher education in the state is required to appoint a Title VI coordinator responsible for handling complaints related to hate incidents, providing training for staff, and collecting data on campus climate. Additionally, by January 1, 2026, institutions must adopt policies that include training for staff on responding to hate incidents, procedures for investigating complaints, and the establishment of a campus task force to combat various forms of hatred.

The bill also mandates the creation of partnerships between campus safety personnel and local law enforcement to ensure security for student groups at risk of hate crimes or violent acts. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, and introduces new legal language to current law while deleting outdated provisions. The overall goal is to foster a safer and more inclusive environment in higher education institutions by implementing comprehensive training and response strategies for incidents of hate and discrimination.