Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Hate Crime Bill
Texas bill lets hate crime victims sue for damages
Relating to hate crimes, including criminal and civil liability for those crimes and the hate crime prevention grant program; increasing a criminal penalty.
Good for everyday people ·
If passed, the bill would let people harmed by hate crimes sue for money and get help from state grant program.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Victims could finally get compensation and the state would fund police to hunt hate crimes, but the bill still needs support to become law.
Take action
Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.
0 of 100 in‑district signatures
Step 1 · Pick your position
Step 2 · Add your name
Sign in to oppose this billPicking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.
The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Creates Chapter 100B for civil liability for hate crimes.
- Victims can recover actual damages and up to three times as exemplary damages.
- Adds $25,000 extra damages if a defendant threatens a witness.
- Allows recovery of court costs and attorney fees.
- No criminal conviction needed to prove liability in civil suit.
- Sets up a grant program for law enforcement and victim assistance.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the Texas Bill Book 2026
The best and worst Texas bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
Get the free PDF →