Sunday, May 10, 2026
Free · Stays on your device
Hate Crimes and Hate Bias - Definitions of Sexual Orientation and Hate Bias Incident
Altering the definition of "sexual orientation" applicable to certain hate crime statutes; and defining "hate bias incident" applicable to a certain requirement that the Department of State Police collect, analyze, and report certain information provided by certain law enforcement agencies.
This bill updates hate crime definitions to include sexual orientation and strengthens hate bias incident reporting.
HB 513 expands Maryland's hate crimes statute with updated definitions of sexual orientation and hate bias incidents.
This bill strengthens Maryland's hate crime statute by adding gender identity as a protected class and increasing penalties for bias-motivated crimes.
Maryland's existing hate crime law covers race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability but does not explicitly include gender identity. This bill closes that gap.