SB624Introduced in the Senate
Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia," penalty.
Introduced by Saddam Salim, District 37
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia"; penalty. Defines "Islamophobia" as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims. This definition applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith. The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam. The bill directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of "Islamophobia" in its hate crime reporting central repository.
Where it stands
Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
February 2, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N) · February 2, 2026
15
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
15 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | Yes |
| William Stanley | 7 | Yes |
| Mark Peake | 8 | Yes |
| Creigh Deeds | 11 | Yes |
| Glen Sturtevant | 12 | Yes |
| Lashrecse Aird | 13 | Yes |
| Lamont Bagby | 14 | Yes |
| Richard Stuart | 25 | Yes |
| Ryan McDougle | 26 | Yes |
| Russet Perry | 31 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104940D
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 4:32 pm)
Senate committee offered
Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
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