The bill H.61 aims to establish and protect the rights of individuals in Vermont regarding bodily autonomy and health care decision-making. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 15, to Title 18 of the Vermont Statutes, which explicitly recognizes each individual's right to make their own health care decisions and to accept or refuse any medical intervention, testing, treatment, or vaccine based on personal, religious, or conscientious beliefs. The bill prohibits any interference with these rights by the state, its agencies, employers, and other entities, ensuring that individuals cannot be denied or restricted in their rights based on their health care choices.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that safeguard these rights even during emergencies, such as outbreaks or public health crises, asserting that individuals retain their autonomy regardless of the circumstances. It also clarifies that the rights of parents to make decisions for their minor children are not affected by this legislation. Individuals who experience harm due to violations of these rights are granted the ability to seek legal recourse in Superior Court for damages and other forms of relief. The act is set to take effect upon passage.