The Journalist's Creed Headlines  NewsBook: MDN headlines   NewsNow: Headlines from across the state  NewsViews: Editorials across the state Stories  Search 2008  Text Search  By Date  By Subject  By Reporter  Blogs  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Data 2008 General Election Results Campaign Contributions Candidate Info Boxes Candidate Info Boxes Office Responsibilities Campaign Issues  August Primary  Feb. Special Elections Presidential Primary  House Votes  Senate Votes  2009 Budget  Registered Lobbyists  Meeting Notices  Bills  House Roster  Senate Roster  Calendars  Supreme Court Dockets  Supreme Court Decisions  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Audio  House Live   Senate Live  MDN Map

Missouri Senate considers ethnic intimidation bill.

Criminals who choose their victims based on hate will receive stiffer sentences if a Senate bill passes. Karyn Dest reports from Jefferson City.

The bill, which would establish a criminal intimidation statute, moved one step closer to a final Senate vote Tuesday. Under the statute, criminals would receive harsher sentences if prosecutors could prove they targeted their victim because of race, sexual orientation, or disability.

St. Louis Democratic Senator William Clay sponsored the bill. He says criminals should pay if hate motivates the crime.

Clay says the final vote on the bill should come later this week. In Jefferson City, I'm Karyn Dest.