ATLANTA - State lawmakers have approved hate crimes legislation deemed essential by state leaders after lawmakers struck a deal to remove language protecting police.The bill now goes to Gov.
Kemp's desk for signature. Kemp's office indicated he would sign House Bill 426 into law pending legal review.The bill, passed Tuesday by a vote of 47-6, went back to the state House for debate of Senate changes, which include data collection and reporting requirements and the addition of sex as a protected factor.“Victims need protection against any attack motivated by hatred due to bias or prejudice,” said Sen.