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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - Florida's "hate crimes" law could apply to offenses against judges, correctional officers, probation officers and first responders, under a bill approved Wednesday by a House panel.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Porter, would increase penalties if crimes are based on victims holding those jobs. As an example, first-degree misdemeanors would be upgraded to third-degree felonies in such cases.

The hate-crimes law already applies to offenses based on factors such as race, religion, sexual orientation and mental or physical disability.

Porter's bill still needs to clear two more House committees. A Senate version has not been heard.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.