House Vote: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Summary: Enhances the federal response to hate crime violence by covering all violent crimes based on race, color, religion, or national origin
Result: Bill Passed
A vote for the bill was counted as a + vote (in line with LCCR's position)
View individual member votes on this bill by state:
Bill Name: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007
Bill Number: H.R. 1592
Issue: Hate Crimes
Date: 05/03/07
Roll Call No. 299
Current hate crimes law leaves federal prosecutors powerless to intervene in bias-motivated crimes when they cannot also establish that the crime was committed because of the victim's involvement in a "federally-protected activity" such as serving on a jury, attending a public school, or voting.
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) would enhance the federal response to hate crime violence by covering all violent crimes based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
In addition, the LLEHCPA would permit federal involvement in the prosecution of bias-motivated crimes based on the victim's gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This expansion is critical in order to protect members of these groups from this most egregious form of discrimination.
The bill would also authorize federal grants of $5 million in Fiscal 2008 and 2009 to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in prosecuting violent hate crimes.
LCCR supported H.R. 1592 because hate crimes are serious, well-documented problems that remain inadequately prosecuted and recognized.
LCCR believes that Congress must give law enforcement the tools it needs to combat this kind of violence and to help ensure that every American can live in an environment free of the terror brought on by hate violence.
Result: The House passed H.R. 1592 (237-180).
