Senate expands hate crimes definition, but rejects broader protections

The Washington State Senate has approved legislation expanding the scope of hate crimes, while rejecting proposed amendments to include political affiliation and economic choice as protected classes.

In a 30-19 vote Thursday, the Senate passed House Bill 1052, which updates the state’s hate crime statute to include offenses motivated in whole or in part by a victim’s perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, or gender identity or expression. The bill, introduced by Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), previously cleared the House in a 61-31 vote.

Democrats said the change was necessary to make it easier to prosecute hate crimes. Under the previous definition, jurors believed that to qualify as a hate crime, it must be only motivated by a bias.

Republicans failed to advance new protections

Republican lawmakers attempted to broaden the list of protected categories, but their efforts were rebuffed. Sen. Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) introduced two failed amendments—one to add economic choice, and another to include political affiliation. Fortunato cited cases of vandalism and threats against Tesla owners as justification for the former, arguing that individuals are being targeted for their consumer decisions.

“A person makes an economic choice to buy a particular product, and because of that, they are targeted,” Fortunato said during floor debate. “That’s clearly a hate crime.”

Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Kirkland) opposed the amendment, saying existing law protects constitutionally recognized classes, not consumer behavior.

“Making economic choices or owning a Tesla is not a protected class,” she said.

Fortunato countered that the Legislature has the authority to redefine protected classes through statute: “It is a protected class if we say it’s a protected class.”

Debate over the legislation mirrored earlier discussions in the House, where lawmakers also questioned whether actions like flag burning or trespassing could be prosecuted as hate crimes under the revised definition.

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