hate crime

A bill that increases sentences for those who knowingly commit certain crimes against "recognizable groups" in Arkansas is on its way to the governor’s desk. The Arkansas House gave final approval Monday to Senate Bill 622.

Rep. Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, discusses controversial bills at the Arkansas General Assembly.

A bill that seeks to add prison sentence enhancements for Arkansans who are convicted of violent crimes that deliberately target people in “recognizable and identifiable” groups or classes is heading to the state House for a final vote.

An Arkansas Senate committee has advanced a bill that some are defining as anti-hate crime legislation, while others say it does not go far enough.

Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, discusses hate crimes legislation and vaccination efforts.

Arkansas is one of the only states without some type of hate crime law on the books, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said more than once it’s a top priority for him during the current legislative session. SB622, filed Thursday (April 1), will attempt to solve that problem.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is attempting to remove Arkansas' distinction as one of only three states without a law strengthening penalties for hate crimes. Member Station KUAR's Daniel Breen speaks to state Rep. Nicole Clowney (D-Fayetteville), co-sponsor of the hate crime bill.