The bill aims to address the issue of anti-Semitism and discrimination based on national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1990. It introduces a new definition of "anti-Semitism" that incorporates the working definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016. This definition will be utilized by the state human affairs commission when investigating discrimination complaints and by the commission against prejudice and bias in defining hate crimes. The bill emphasizes that criticism of Israel, when similar to that directed at other countries, does not constitute anti-Semitism.

Key insertions in the bill include the definition of anti-Semitism, which encompasses the IHRA's definition and contemporary examples of anti-Semitism, while also clarifying that it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights or conflict with existing discrimination laws. Additionally, the bill specifies that discriminatory acts include severe or pervasive harassment that limits a victim's ability to participate in services or opportunities. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the state's commitment to combating hate and discrimination.

Statutes affected:
5455: 42-112-1