Hate-Crimes Bill Passes State Senate
The state Senate passed a hate-crimes bill named for the black man dragged to his death from a truck in 1998. The measure returns to the House for final approval.
Two years ago, then-Gov. George W. Bush refused to support a similar measure, saying all crimes are hate crimes.
The James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act, which passed the Republican-controlled Senate by a 20-10 vote, strengthens the penalties for crimes motivated by race, religion, color, gender, disabilities, sexual preference, age or national origin.
Republican Gov. Rick Perry hasn’t said if he would sign the bill.
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