North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee 10 D cosponsors

SB 827 — Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced April 22, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Stalled 26% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 10 sponsors

    1 primary, 9 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (10 D).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

31 added · 32 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the updated version of Senate Bill 827, additional clauses have been included that allow individuals who have been injured or convicted to seek compensation for their legal fees and costs related to their cases. This means that if someone is harmed or is found guilty of a specific offense, they can now request to have their attorney's fees covered as part of their legal remedy. This change is significant because it could enhance access to justice for those affected by certain violations, enabling them to seek better legal representation without the fear of incurring overwhelming costs.

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FILED SENATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA Apr 22, 2026 S.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 S 1 SENATE BILL 827 Short Title:
827 SESSION 2025 PRINCIPAL CLERK S D SENATE BILL DRS35362-MLa-177 Short Title:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO INCREASE THE SCOPE AND PUNISHMENT OF HATE CRIMES;
Rules and Operations of the Senate April 23, 2026 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO INCREASE THE SCOPE AND PUNISHMENT OF HATE CRIMES;
(d) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (c) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and any otherlitigationcosts reasonably incurred.
(d) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (c) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and anyotherlitigation costs reasonablyincurred.
For purposes of this subsection, the term (i) "actual damages" includes damages *DRS35362-MLa-177* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 for emotional distress and (ii) "immediate family member" means a child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the victim.
For purposes of this subsection, the term (i) "actual damages" includes damages *S827-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 for emotional distress and (ii) "immediate family member" means a child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the victim.
(e) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guilty orno contest to having engagedin conduct in violationofsubsection (c) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
(e) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guiltyorno contest to having engagedin conduct in violationofsubsection (c) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,or an alternativedisputeresolution professional whohas training in racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,or an alternativedisputeresolution professional who has trainingin racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
… (c) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (a) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and any otherlitigationcosts reasonably incurred.
… (c) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (a) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and anyotherlitigation costs reasonablyincurred.
(d) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guilty orno contest to having engagedin conduct in violationofsubsection (a) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
(d) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guiltyorno contest to having engaged in conduct in violation ofsubsection (a) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,oran alternativedisputeresolution professional whohas training in racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,oran alternativedisputeresolution professional whohas trainingin racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
– Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious permanent disfigurement, coma, a permanent or protracted condition that causes extreme pain, or permanent or protracted loss Page 2 DRS35362-MLa-177 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or that results in prolonged hospitalization.
– Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious permanent disfigurement, coma, a permanent or protracted condition that causes extreme pain, or permanent or protracted loss Page 2 Senate Bill 827-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or that results in prolonged hospitalization.
(b) Anyone who, in whole or in part, because of the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of another person or a person or group associated with that person, commits an assault and inflicts serious bodily injury or attempts to commit an assault and inflict serious bodily injury is guilty of committing the offense of felonious assault as a hate crime.
(b) Anyone who, in whole or in part, because of the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of another person or a person or group associated with that person, commits an assault and inflicts serious bodilyinjuryor attempts to commit an assault and inflict serious bodily injury is guilty of committing the offense of felonious assault as a hate crime.
(c) Except as provided otherwise by this section, an offense committed under this section is a Class F felony.
(c) Except as provided otherwise bythis section, an offense committed under this section is a Class F felony.
(e) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (b) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and any otherlitigationcosts reasonably incurred.
(e) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under subsection (b) of this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief, including actual damages, punitive damages, any reasonableattorneys' fees, and anyotherlitigation costs reasonablyincurred.
(f) In addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guilty orno contest to having engagedin conduct in violationofsubsection (b) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
(f) In addition to anyother remedies at law or in equity, a person who has been convicted oforwhohas pleaded guiltyorno contest to having engagedin conduct in violationofsubsection (b) of this section may be ordered to participate in a restorative justice session with the victim of the offense if the victim requests a restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,oran alternativedisputeresolution professional whohas training in racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
If restorative justice under this subsection is ordered, the court shall select a member of a local Human Relations Commission, an attorney, amediator,oran alternativedisputeresolution professional whohas trainingin racial equity education to conduct the restorative justice session.
DRS35362-MLa-177 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) The disposition of each offense.
Senate Bill 827-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) The disposition of each offense.
143B-1209(a),as enactedby subsection(a) ofthis section.
143B-1209(a),as enactedbysubsection(a) ofthis section.
14-3(c), 14-401.14, or 14-34.11." Page 4 DRS35362-MLa-177 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 4.(b) G.S.
14-3(c), 14-401.14, or 14-34.11." Page 4 Senate Bill 827-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 4.(b) G.S.
… (14) Establish minimum standards for in-service training for criminal justice officers.In-servicetrainingstandardsforswornlawenforcementofficersshall include all of the following training topics:
… (14) Establish minimum standards for in-service training for criminal justice officers.
In-servicetrainingstandardsforswornlawenforcementofficersshall include all of the following training topics:
DRS35362-MLa-177 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 …." SECTION 4.(d) This section becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 827-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 …." SECTION 4.(d) This section becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Page 6 DRS35362-MLa-177
Page 6 Senate Bill 827-First Edition
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How this bill changes current law

9 changes Share ↗

Compared against the N.C. General Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the scope and penalties for hate crimes in North Carolina.

  • G.S. 14-3

    as a hate crime. → as a hate crime.

    Clarifies that certain misdemeanors and felonies can be considered hate crimes.

  • G.S. 14-3

    because of the victim's race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin → because of the victim's actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of the victim or a person or group associated with the victim

    Broaden the definition of bias motivations for Class 2 and Class 3 misdemeanors classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

  • G.S. 14-401.14

    because of race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin → because of the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of another person or a person or group associated with that person

    Expands the motivations for committing ethnic intimidation to include more protected characteristics.

  • G.S. 14-401.14

    Intimidation by hate crime; teaching any technique to be used in the commission of a hate crime.

    Modifies the title of the section for clarity on hate crime intimidation.

  • G.S. 15A-1340.16(d)(17)

    victim's race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin. → victim's actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of the victim or a person or group associated with the victim.

    Broaden the definitions applicable to aggravating factors in sentencing.

  • § 14-34.11. Felonious assault as a hate crime.

    Creates a new statute defining felonious assault as a hate crime with specific penalties.

  • G.S. 14-34.11

    Anyone who, in whole or in part, because of the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality, country of origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation of another person or a person or group associated with that person, commits an assault and inflicts serious bodily injury or attempts to commit an assault and inflict serious bodily injury is guilty of committing the offense of felonious assault as a hate crime.

    Establishes penalties for hate crimes involving serious bodily injury.

  • G.S. 14-34.11

    an offense committed under this section is a Class F felony.

    Defines the baseline punishment for felonious assault committed as a hate crime.

  • A person who is injured or whose property is damaged as a result of conduct described under this section, or an immediate family member of that person, may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction...

    Allows victims of hate crimes to seek civil damages beyond criminal penalties.

Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  3. Withdrawn From Com

  4. Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget

  5. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 9 co-sponsors · 169 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (9)

Not signed on (169)

169 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 169 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 827?
SB 827 is sponsored by Joyce Waddell (Democratic), Caleb Theodros (Democratic), DeAndrea Salvador (Democratic), Natalie S. Murdock (Democratic), Lisa Grafstein (Democratic), Sophia Chitlik (Democratic), Gale Adcock (Democratic), Mujtaba A. Mohammed (Democratic), Jay J. Chaudhuri (Democratic), and Kandie D. Smith (Democratic).
What is the current status of SB 827?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced April 22, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 827?
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