Bill S.19, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to expand the definition of hate-motivated crimes in Vermont law. The proposed amendments to 13 V.S.A. § 1455 will allow for unlawful conduct to be directed at a group of particular persons, rather than solely at individual victims. Specifically, the bill replaces references to "the victims" with "another persons or a group of particular persons" in multiple sections, 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, with specific imprisonment terms and fines depending on the maximum penalty of the underlying offense. Furthermore, it maintains the definition of protected categories, which includes various attributes such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1455