Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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Amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 17. Relating to procedure for sentencing and imposition of punishment. This bill would provide for enhanced sentences in any case in which the trier of fact determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally selected any victim or any property of the victim as the object of the offense because of the victim�s race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. If the offense was a misdemeanor, increase the sentence ad the fine by 50% up to the max, if the offense is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, increase the sentence and fine by 50% up the max or, if the offense is a felony, increase the sentence by up to five years, not to exceed the max.
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