The bill S.19, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to expand the definition of hate-motivated crimes in Vermont law. It proposes to broaden the scope of such crimes to include unlawful conduct directed at a group of particular persons, rather than limiting it to a singular victim. The bill amends 13 V.S.A. § 1455, changing the language to reflect that a person's conduct can be motivated by the actual or perceived membership of another person or a group in a protected category, rather than just the victim's status.

Additionally, the bill 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 list of protected categories remains unchanged and includes race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1455