The bill H.41 introduces a new section, 13 V.S.A. 3761a, which criminalizes the abuse of a dead body. It establishes that no person shall knowingly and without legal authorization intentionally burn, mutilate, disfigure, dismember, or destroy a dead body. Additionally, it prohibits actions taken to conceal a crime or avoid legal consequences, such as burying or transporting a body for those purposes. The bill also specifically criminalizes sexual conduct with a dead body, defining various forms of such conduct. Penalties for violations include imprisonment and fines, with harsher penalties for actions taken to conceal a crime.

Furthermore, the bill amends 18 V.S.A. 5211, which addresses unauthorized burial or removal of a dead body, by removing the maximum imprisonment term of five years and the option for imprisonment altogether, leaving only a fine of up to $1,000. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By the House -- Official: 18-5211
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 18-5211