Gov. Holcomb Signs Hate Crimes Bill into Law

Senate Bill 198 originally covered controlled substances in penal facilities. In late March, the bill was amended by the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

Indiana was one of five states without hate crimes legislation. Governor Holcomb began to push to get Indiana off that list last year, when Nazi graffiti was found outside a Carmel synagogue. Opinions are divided as to whether SB 198 accomplishes that.

Another hate crimes bill, Senate Bill 12, is still in committee. That bill originally included language that would’ve allowed a court to consider increasing penalties on those accused of committing a hate crime, due to race, religion, age, sexual orientation and gender identity, among other considerations.