On July 9, 2025, the Tennessee Legislature passed a bill that will increase penalties for hate crimes in the state. The bill, which was sponsored by State Senator Sarah Thompson, received overwhelming support in both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law by Governor John Roberts.Under the new law, individuals convicted of committing a hate crime in Tennessee will face harsher penalties than those for similar crimes that are not motivated by hate. The bill defines a hate crime as any criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated by bias or prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.Senator Thompson, who has been a vocal advocate for tougher hate crime legislation, praised the passage of the bill as a step in the right direction for the state. "Hate crimes have no place in our society, and it is crucial that we send a strong message that these heinous acts will not be tolerated in Tennessee," she said.The bill also includes provisions for enhanced training for law enforcement personnel on how to identify, investigate, and report hate crimes. Additionally, it creates a new task force dedicated to monitoring and addressing hate crimes in the state.The passage of this legislation comes at a time when hate crimes are on the rise nationwide, prompting many states to reevaluate their own laws and policies to better protect marginalized communities. With the new bill set to become law, Tennessee joins a growing number of states that are taking proactive steps to address the issue of hate crimes within their borders.