PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · May 20, 2021
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 education campaigns.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Additionally, DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services must issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
The bill establishes grants for states to create state-run hate crimes reporting hotlines. It also authorizes grants for states and local governments to implement the National Incident-Based Reporting System and to conduct law enforcement activities or crime reduction programs to prevent, address, or respond to hate crimes.
Finally, in the case of an individual convicted of a hate crime offense and placed on supervised release, the bill allows a court to order that the individual participate in educational classes or community service as a condition of supervised release.
People & committees
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] · D–HI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-13.
Became Public Law No: 117-13.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 - 62 (Roll no. 145). (text: CR H2464-2466)
House roll call 145 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 - 62 (Roll no. 145).(text: CR H2464-2466)
House roll call 145 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2479-2480)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 937.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2464-2472)
Mr. Nadler moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate, under the order of 4/21/21, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 94 - 1. Record Vote Number: 165. (text: CR S2148-2150)
Senate roll call 165 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate, under the order of 4/21/21, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 94 - 1. Record Vote Number: 165.(text: CR S2148-2150)
Senate roll call 165 · Individual votesConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2140-2148)
Cloture motion on the measure withdrawn by unanimous consent in Senate. (CR S2117)
Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2061)
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2043, S2046, S2058)
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2002-2003)
Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1998)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S1953)
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S1923)
Cloture on the motion to proceed invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 92 - 6. Record Vote Number: 151. (CR S1923)
Senate roll call 151 · Individual votesCloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S1805)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S1804-1805)
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 13.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.937 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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