S. 3104: Ideologically Motivated Violence Accountability Act

The Ideologically Motivated Violence Accountability Act proposes changes to U.S. law regarding crimes motivated by ideological beliefs. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Short Title

The bill may be referred to as the "Ideologically Motivated Violence Accountability Act."

Key Findings

Congress identifies several key points regarding ideologically motivated crimes:

• Such crimes target individuals based on their ideological, religious, or political beliefs, posing a significant threat to democratic society.
• These acts are regarded as not just personal crimes, but also as forms of coercive ideological intimidation that can deter free expression and undermine constitutional rights.
• Violence motivated by political or religious beliefs can undermine public safety, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
• The government has a strong interest in preventing individuals from being silenced or targeted due to their lawful political or religious beliefs.

Death Penalty Provision

The bill seeks to amend the U.S. Code to include a new basis for imposing the death penalty in cases where the perpetrator commits a crime with the following intent:

• To target a victim based on their actual or perceived political or religious beliefs, affiliations, expressions, or activities.
• To promote, retaliate against, or make a public statement concerning any political or religious belief, practice, institution, ideology, event, or public figure.

Sentencing Guidelines

The United States Sentencing Commission would be required to update its guidelines to align with these new provisions regarding the death penalty for ideologically motivated crimes.

Relevant Companies

None found.