Natural State News

Randy Zook of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas tackled the issue of hate crimes legislation in a recent interview, surrounding the passage of a Senate Bill that is designed to ensure that offenders serve a minimum of 80% of their sentence for certain crimes. 

“Serious violent felony” crimes which are carried out against someone due to their “mental, physical, biological, cultural, political or religious beliefs or characteristics” would entail a minimum requirement of 80% of their sentence to be served.

"If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's a duck. Yes it is and yes it does. It's an Arkansas solution to a tough challenge," Zook said in an interview.

While some individuals believe that the bill is too vague and does not provide enough protections or restrictions, the bill was voted in with a 22-7 approval majority.

This bill does not use the term of hate crime in reference to race, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Arkansas is only one of three states that lacks a hate crime law, in addition to Wyoming and South Carolina. This legislation will put them on the map, joining the remaining 47 states that have already take action against this form of violence.