The bills are a response to the Hopwood decision which prevents Texas schools from using race as a criteria for admission. The hate crimes legislation is named for Byrd, who was the victim of a racially motivated murder last summer. Mullins described her father's brutal murder then pleaded with senators to pass the legislation. The bill enhances the penalties for crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual preference. Supporters say the legislation is necessary because the current statute is so vague its not even being used in the prosecution of Byrd's murder.
Opponents argue that what is needed is vigorous prosecution under current law.
At the time of this writing, the committee is taking testimony on CSHB 938. In other news, the Texas Senate Kids web page was launched this week in Spanish. The web page features Tio Tejas and Floralinda. The page can also be accessed from the Senate's main web page. Check our Events page for upcoming meeting information.