Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia," penalty.
Sponsored By: Saddam Azlan Salim (Democratic)
In Committee
Summary
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. 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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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Saddam Azlan Salim
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Continued from last session
7/21/2026SenateSenate committee offered
2/2/2026SenateContinued to 2027 in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
2/2/2026SenateFiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 4:32 pm)
1/20/2026SenateReferred to Committee for Courts of Justice
1/14/2026SenatePrefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104940D
1/14/2026Senate
Bill Text
Substitute
2/2/2026
Introduced
1/14/2026
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