Open Modal

Arkansas Senate OKs alternate, scaled-back hate crimes bill

800px-arkansas_state_capitol_building-7

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Senate has approved a stripped-down hate crimes bill derided by long-time supporters of such legislation who claim the measure is too vague.

The Senate approved the measure Wednesday, sending it to the House. The bill requires offenders to serve at least 80 percent of their sentence if they commit a crime against someone because of their “mental, physical, biological, cultural, political, or religious beliefs or characteristics.”

Longtime hate crimes legislation supporters have criticized the bill for not referring to classes such as race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.


Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLEOutlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

 

Recommended Posts

Loading...