SC lawmakers hopeful hate crimes bill will pass next year

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Some South Carolina lawmakers are optimistic a hate crime bill will pass soon.

A House subcommittee voted Wednesday for a proposal that would make it a felony for someone to assault, intimidate or threaten a person because of their race, religion, sex, age, national origin sexual orientation or homelessness.

Under the bill, someone convicted of a hate crime would face a $2,000 to $10,000 fine and serve two to 15 years in prison.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus say this legislation is a priority for them and is long overdue. South Carolina is one of four states without a state hate crime bill.

The bill will be on the agenda of the full House Judiciary Committee when lawmakers return in January for the second of their two-year legislative session.