The bill S.19, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to expand the definition of hate-motivated crimes in Vermont law. The proposed changes include modifying the language to encompass unlawful conduct directed at a group of particular persons, rather than solely at individual victims. Specifically, the bill amends 13 V.S.A. § 1455 to replace references to "the victims" with "another persons or a group of particular persons," thereby broadening the scope of who can be considered a target of hate-motivated crimes. Additionally, it clarifies that the actual or perceived membership in a protected category does not need to be the predominant or sole reason for the defendant's conduct.

The bill also outlines the penalties for hate-motivated crimes based on the severity of the underlying crime, maintaining the existing penalty structure while emphasizing the motivation behind the crime as a factor in sentencing. Furthermore, it specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025. The protected categories listed in the bill include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived membership in any such group.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1455