HB 1058 -- HATE CRIMES

SPONSOR:  Haywood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Criminal
Law by a vote of 12 to 0 with 1 present.

This bill adds first and second degree arson to the crimes
included in the hate crimes statute when the structure damaged is
a place of worship.  The penalty for arson involving a place of
worship is a class A felony.  Currently, arson is a class A
felony only when it is in the first degree and a person has
suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the
fire or explosion.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of Less
than $100,000 in FY 2003, FY 2004, and FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that places of worship should be
places where people can be free from discrimination.  Destroying
a place of worship is the ultimate act of hatred.  The bill sends
a message to criminals that hate crimes will not be tolerated in
the state.  Churches often have historical significance and are
impossible to replace.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Haywood.  Written
testimony was also submitted by the National Coalition for Burned
Churches and Community Empowerment.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Amy Woods, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:00 am