The February 17 Central Justice Network gathering will feature Republican State Senator John Ruckelshaus speaking on bipartisan efforts to pass a fully inclusive bias crimes law. The senator is one of the authors of SB 75 which would make bias motivation an aggravating circumstance for purposes of sentencing, effectively encouraging judges to impose the maximum sentence for the commission of a crime motivated by hate. SB 75 specifically includes gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes. Sen. Ruckelshaus is also a strong supporter of redistricting reform.