SB 577

Abstract

Renames crime of intimidation as bias crime. Adds gender identity to list of characteristics of victim, perception of which constitutes defendant's motive to commit crime. Removes requirement that bias crime in the first degree be committed by two or more persons. Modifies bias crime statistics reported to Department of State Police by law enforcement agencies. Directs department to report data collected from law enforcement agencies to Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. Directs commission to include gender identity as characteristic of victim constituting aggravating factor when characteristic motivated commission of crime. Directs district attorneys to collect data concerning bias-related crimes and report to commission. Appropriates moneys to, and increases limitation on federal funds expenditures for, Department of Justice for distribution to district attorneys for purposes of collecting and reporting data] purposes of carrying out provisions of Act. Directs Department of Justice to establish hate crimes telephone hotline. Directs law enforcement agency responding to bias incident to refer victim to qualifying local victims' services or to hate crimes hotline. Creates position of Hate Crimes Response Coordinator in department. Directs department to collect data concerning bias crimes and bias incidents and report to commission. Directs commission to analyze all bias crime and bias incident data received from Department of State Police, district attorneys and Department of Justice, and to report on analysis annually to Governor, Legislative Assembly, Attorney General, Oregon District Attorneys Association, Department of State Police and Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Appropriates moneys to commission for purposes of carrying out data analysis] provisions of Act. Declares emergency, effective on passage.