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Senate reconsiders and advances hate‑crimes bill after amendment, 21‑5
Summary
The Utah Senate reconsidered and passed Senate Bill 37 after adopting amendments to narrow penalties to actions (not thought). Debate focused on protecting communities from intimidation while preserving free‑speech rights; the bill passed 21–5 and was referred to the House.
The Utah State Senate on Feb. 20 reconsidered and passed Senate Bill 37, a measure to enhance penalties when a bias‑related message accompanies a crime, after adopting a set of amendments intended to limit the law to punishable actions rather than thought.
Senator Holtz moved to reconsider the bill and place it for third reading; senators adopted amendment number 2 (dated Feb. 20) and then debated whether the measure properly balances community protection and First Amendment concerns. Supporters said the amendment clarifies that penalties apply only when a bias‑motivated act accompanies a criminal offense, not to protected expression. Opponents urged caution, arguing the law risks treating people differently and could alienate groups it intends to protect.
“Because of their additional action, they get an additional penalty… we’re now punishing an act rather than a thought,” a sponsor explained while urging colleagues to support the amendment and the bill. Senator Wadipes said many constituents from minority communities supported protections but he remained concerned about any law that could differentiate treatment and asked the body to consider unity and equal application of penalties.
After debate and a roll‑call vote, Senate Bill 37 passed by a vote of 21 ayes to 5 nays with three senators absent and was sent to the Utah House of Representatives for consideration.
Next steps: the bill will be transmitted to the House for its committee assignment and further legislative consideration. No implementing language beyond the adopted amendment was finalized on the floor; Senate clerks will return the enrolled bill to staff for transmittal.
