Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Michael Udine
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to analyze the extent to which Broward County can enact regulations regarding the investigation and punishment of crimes motivated by hate and bigotry that target ethnic, racial, religious, and other minority groups, and, to the extent permissible, directing that the Office of the County Attorney draft an Ordinance, or propose other measures for the Board’s consideration, that would facilitate such investigations and address any opportunities to impose heightened penalties for violations that constitute hate crimes. (Mayor Udine)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft any appropriate Ordinance for the Board’s later consideration.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
In 2021, the number of antisemitic incidents and antisemitic motivated hate crimes in the United States reached an all-time high. Jewish institutions, such as synagogues, Jewish community centers, and Jewish schools, are often targets of antisemitic incidents, including vandalism, harassment, assaults, and deadly violence. However, such incidents and hate crimes are not limited to targeting Jews, and there has been a significant recent increase in such crimes and incidents against Black individuals and Black institutions, including bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities earlier this year and the recent attack by a white supremacist against Black individuals at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York. Hate crime incidents against Asian Americans increased 339% in 2021, and such incidents against Latinos are also on the rise.
This item, if approved, would direct the Office of the County Attorney to analyze the extent to which Broward County can enact regulations or propose other appropriate measures regarding the investigation and punishment of crimes motivated by hate and bigotry that target ethnic, racial, religious, and other minority groups, and, to the extent permissible, draft an Ordinance, or propose such measures for the Board’s later consideration.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance, if applicable.