Senators McGarvey and Neal file legislation to implement hate crime law in Kentucky

Bill is in honor of 2018 victims in Jeffersontown Kroger shooting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Senators Morgan McGarvey, (D) Louisville, and Gerald Neal, (D) Louisville, held a news conference Tuesday to introduce hate crime legislation. The bill has been filed in previous legislative sessions in honor of Vickie Jones and Maurice Stallard, victims of the 2018 Jeffersontown Kroger shooting.

In 2018, a white gunman shot and killed Jones and Stallard at a Kroger in Jeffersontown. In 2021, the man was sentenced in federal court to life in prison without parole in connection to his racially motivated murder. Since then, questions have come up regarding hate crime laws in Kentucky and how someone with a history of mental illness, racist online posts, and domestic violence was able to carry out such an act.

Tuesday, Senators McGarvey and Neal announced they are filing a bill to strengthen hate crime laws and enhance protections for victims in the state. The lawmakers were joined by family members of Vickie Jones and Maurice Stallard along with Sara Wagner, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Louisville.

According to the senators, the bill would extend prison time if it is proven that a crime is intentionally committed based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Under the proposal, a Class A or B misdemeanor would be increased by at least half of the maximum imprisonment sentence and fine that currently exists.  For a Class D felony, the term of imprisonment would be increased by one to five years; a Class C felony would be increased by five to ten years; and a Class A or B felony would be increased by 10 to 20 years. Additionally, if convicted, the individual would not be eligible for probation, shock probation, conditional discharge, parole, or any other form of early release.

“We are seeing a spike in hate crimes across our country. This bill holds perpetrators more accountable, enhances protection for victims, and hopefully helps curb these crimes. No one deserves to be killed or targeted because of who they are,” said McGarvey.

Family members of Jones and Stallard voiced their support of the measure.

“The rise in hate crime cases across our nation is a cause of great concern. I have filed similar proposals in the past to address this issue, and now is the time for us to pass it. Let’s let Vickie and Maurice’s legacy be one that brings lasting change,” said Neal.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Kentucky saw the state’s highest number of anti-Semitic incidents on record in 2020. Sara Wagner, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Louisville, voiced the need for stronger legislation to protect victims from heinous acts.

“It is imperative as a society that we adopt laws with stronger punishments for hate and other bias-related crimes. Increased penalties make people think twice,” said Wagner. “Strong Hate Crimes legislation also sends a clear message that we in the commonwealth recognize the fear felt by so many vulnerable individuals and communities. Now is the time to show we are serious about change.”

According to the senators, the legislation will be considered during the 2022 regular session.