The Senate Judiciary Committee recently passed Senate Bill 2468, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), to establish stricter criminal and civil penalties for individuals who target religious institutions or disrupt worship services.
Under the bill, using force, threats, or physical barriers to intimidate or harm individuals practicing their faith would be criminalized. The intentional destruction of religious property would be classified as a felony offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. A first offense would be a Class E felony, while a second violation would be elevated to a Class C felony. Interfering with religious services or gatherings would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
The legislation also requires offenders to pay a mandatory fine of at least twice the amount of property damage, loss, or restoration costs resulting from the offense.
Senate Bill 2468 now heads to the Senate floor for final consideration.