The bill introduces a new section, 13 V.S.A. 3761a, which criminalizes the abuse of a dead body in Vermont. It prohibits actions such as burning, mutilating, disfiguring, dismembering, or destroying a dead body without legal authorization. Additionally, it establishes that such actions cannot be performed to conceal a crime or evade legal consequences. The bill also specifically prohibits sexual conduct with a dead body, defining various forms of such conduct. Penalties for violations include imprisonment for up to five years for general abuse and up to 15 years for violations related to concealment of a crime or sexual conduct.

Furthermore, the bill amends 18 V.S.A. 5211, changing the penalties for unauthorized burial or removal of a dead body from imprisonment or fines to a civil penalty 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
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-5211
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-5211
As Enacted: 18-5211