Hate Crimes/James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act:
HB 616: Relating to a study regarding the effectiveness of the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act.
Primary Author: Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth)
Joint Author: Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston); Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas); Rep. Allen Vaught (D-Dallas)
Co-Author: Rep. Alma Allen (D-Houston); Rep. Lon Burnam (D-Fort Worth); Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso); Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin); Rep. Joe Farias (D-San Antonio); Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs)
Background: Equality Texas worked with Rep. Veasey's office to draft language which would require the Texas Attorney General to conduct a study to examine the success of the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act and identify barriers to the effective use of, and prosecution under, the Act. Similar legislation was filed by Rep. Veasey in the 2007 session [HB 2612]. In 2007, the bill obtained two (2) additional authors and six (6) co-authors; it was left pending in the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.
Committee: Criminal Jurisprudence
Actions: 04/23/09 - Committee Report sent to Calendars
04/22/09 - Committee Report filed with Committee Coordinator
04/15/09 - Reported favorably as substituted [8 Ayes, 1 Nay, 2 Absent]
03/18/09 - Left pending in committee
03/18/09 - Committee substitute considered in committee
03/11/09 - Reported favorably as substituted [8 Ayes, 2 Nays, 1 Absent]
03/04/09 - Scheduled for public hearing
02/18/09 - Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
01/14/09 – Filed
Equality Texas Position: Supports. This bill is part of our Legislative Agenda.
Equality Texas Bill Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet on HB 616 (pdf)
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