HB478

AN ACT relating to hate crimes.

Introduced·1/22/26
Bill Text

Kentucky HB478 amends hate crime laws to include additional protected classes and enhance penalties for hate crimes.

Kentucky HB478 modifies the state's hate crime statutes to expand the list of protected classes, including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation. The bill also mandates that law enforcement officers complete training on hate crimes, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Additionally, it increases penalties for crimes committed with a bias motivation and requires a separate hearing to determine if a crime was motivated by hate.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jan 30

House

to Judiciary (H)

Jan 22

House

introduced in House

Jan 22

House

to Committee on Committees (H)