Texas representative Sheila Jackson Lee introduced a bill seeking to prosecute "white supremacy inspired" — and "conspiracy to commit white supremacy inspired" — hate crimes.
The bill expands the scope of "hate crimes" seeking prevention and prosecution of "white supremacy inspired hate crime" and "conspiracy to commit white supremacy inspired hate crime."
A white supremacy inspired hate crime has occurred "when white supremacy ideology has motivated the planning, development, preparation, or perpetration of actions that constituted a crime or were undertaken in furtherance of activity that, if effectuated, would have constituted a crime," according to the bill.
Conspiracy to engage in white supremacy inspired hate crimes is detailed as "two or more persons engaged in the planning, development, preparation, or perpetration of a white supremacy inspired hate crime."
The bill further elaborates on conspiracy to commit white supremacy inspired hate crimes as follows:Two or more persons, at least one of whom published material advancing white supremacy, white supremacist ideology, antagonism based on "replacement theory," or hate speech that vilifies or is otherwise directed against any non-White person or group, and such published material; was published on a social media platform or by other means of publication with the likelihood that it would be viewed by persons who are predisposed to engaging in any action in furtherance of a white supremacy inspired hate crime, or who are susceptible to being encouraged to engage in actions in furtherance of a white supremacy inspired hate crime; could, as determined by a reasonable person, motivate actions by a person predisposed to engaging in a white supremacy inspired hate crime or by a person who is susceptible to being encouraged to engage in actions relating to a white supremacy inspired hate crime; and was read, heard, or viewed by a person who engaged in the planning, development, preparation, or perpetration of a white supremacy inspired hate crime.
The Department of Justice, Authority, Enforcement, Monitoring, and Reporting will conduct operations and activities pursuant to aforementioned "white supremacy inspired hate crimes" with regard to information or evidence obtained by the department. The department further maintains authority to investigate, intercede, and undertake other actions deemed necessary and appropriate to interdict, mitigate, or prevent violent activity.
The department also maintains authority to prosecute individuals engaged in "white supremacy inspired," and "conspiracy to commit white supremacy inspired hate crimes" and will "maintain records of white supremacy inspired hate crimes and related actions."
Lastly, the bill seeks the amendment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act by noting "mass shootings and other hate crimes motivated by white supremacy have been increasing in frequency and intensity ... inspired by conspiracy theories, blatant bigotry, and mythical falsehoods such as 'replacement theory.'"
"All instances must be prevented and severe criminal penalties must be applied to their perpetrators."
