Shurtleff to testify on hate-crimes bill

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff will testify before Congress today in Washington to generate federal support in prosecuting hate crimes.

Shurtleff is testifying before the House Judiciary Committee in favor of HR 1592, which helps authorities seek U.S. Justice Department assistance in prosecuting bias crimes. The measure removes a roadblock in getting federal prosecution of hate crimes.

The act would remove a prosecution requirement that a hate-crime victim was attacked while participating in a federally protected activity such as voting or jury duty.