How does the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act try to prevent hate crimes?

The Act expanded federal authority to investigate and prosecute hate crimes motivated by characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. Making these crimes federal offenses allows federal prosecution and penalties; it does not provide extra security or punish officers for stopping protests. The best answer is B, making hate crimes a federal offense with tougher legal penalties.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.