This bill amends Titles 18 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance the legal framework surrounding hate-based intimidation and civil rights violations. Specifically, it redefines the offense of ethnic intimidation to "hate-based intimidation," broadening the scope of protected characteristics to include ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability. The bill also clarifies that malicious intent must be motivated by hatred towards these characteristics. Additionally, a new subsection is added to ensure that religiously motivated speech or conduct that is constitutionally protected is not limited or punished under this section.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the civil rights violations section to allow individuals who suffer personal injury or property damage due to hate-based intimidation to seek legal redress in court. It expands the right of action to include not only the actor but also those who solicited or aided the actor in the conduct. The bill outlines the types of damages that can be sought, including general and special damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Similar to the hate-based intimidation section, it also includes a provision to protect religiously motivated speech or conduct that is constitutionally protected. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1191 (Oct 03, 2025): P.L.1176, No.143, P.L.882, No.111