COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

S. 937 in the 117th Congress (2021–2022) became law — introduced on Mar 23, 2021, sponsored by Mazie K. Hirono with 44 co-sponsors. Congress held 7 roll call votes on it.

During the 117th Congress (2021–2022), Joe Biden was president, and Democrats held the House majority and Republicans the Senate majority.

Status: Became law
Introduced: Mar 23, 2021
Co-sponsors: 44
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Public law: Public Law 117-13

What it does

COVID - 19 Hate Crimes Act This bill requires a designated officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the expedited review of hate crimes and reports of hate crimes. DOJ must issue guidance for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies on establishing online hate crime reporting processes, collecting data disaggregated by protected characteristic (e.g., race or national origin), and expanding…

Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Sponsor

Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). Co-sponsors: 42 Democrats, 2 Independents.

Where it stands

IntroducedMar 23, 2021
Passed the SenateApr 22, 2021
Passed the HouseMay 18, 2021
Sent to the PresidentMay 19, 2021
Became lawMay 20, 2021

Latest action: Became Public Law No: 117-13. (May 20, 2021)

How Congress voted

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
House · May 18, 2021 · Passed364–62
On Passage of the Bill
Senate · Apr 22, 2021 · Bill Passed94–1
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
Senate · Apr 14, 2021 · Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to92–6

Every roll call vote on this bill

A bill to facilitate the expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, and for other purposes.Senate · Apr 14, 2021
A bill to facilitate the expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, and for other purposes.Senate · Apr 15, 2021
To prohibit Federal funding for any institution of higher education that discriminates against Asian…Senate · Apr 22, 2021
To require a report on State restrictions on religious exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic.Senate · Apr 22, 2021
To improve the bill.Senate · Apr 22, 2021
A bill to facilitate the expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, and for other purposes.Senate · Apr 22, 2021
COVID-19 Hate Crimes ActHouse · May 18, 2021

More bills from Mazie K. Hirono in the 117th Congress

Other Crime and Law Enforcement bills in the 117th Congress

From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “S. 937 (117th Congress): COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/117-s-937/covid-19-hate-crimes-act (accessed 2026-10-14).