The bill amends RCW 9A.36.080 to clarify the definition and prosecution of hate crime offenses in Washington State. It specifies that a person is guilty of a hate crime if they maliciously and intentionally commit acts such as assault, property damage, or threats against another person, in whole or in part due to their perception of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability. The bill also establishes that words alone do not constitute a hate crime unless they are contextualized as a threat, and it allows for the inference of intent to threaten based on specific actions, such as burning a cross or defacing property associated with particular racial or religious groups.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a mistaken belief about a victim's identity does not serve as a defense for committing a hate crime. It outlines that evidence of the accused's expressions or associations cannot be introduced at trial unless directly related to the crime charged. The penalties for committing a hate crime are classified as a class C felony, and the bill emphasizes that victims retain the right to seek other legal remedies. Importantly, it states that the provisions do not expand civil rights or protections beyond those already established under federal or state law.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9A.36.080
Engrossed Bill: 9A.36.080
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9A.36.080
Session Law: 9A.36.080