VirginiaAssault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia", penalty.
What it does
Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia"; penalty. Defines "Islamophobia" as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims. This definition applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith.
More detail
The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam. The bill directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of "Islamophobia" in its hate crime reporting central repository.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Feb 2Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)Latest
- Vote recorded Continued to next session in Courts of Justice. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 2Senate committee offered
- Jan 20Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 4:32 pm)
- Jan 14Referred to Committee for Courts of JusticeMinor
- Jan 14Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104940DIntroduced
- Feb 2Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)Latest