The bill amends 13 V.S.A. § 1455 regarding hate-motivated crimes in Vermont. It broadens the definition of motivation for such crimes by replacing the term "the victims" with "another persons or a group of persons" in relation to actual or perceived membership in a protected category. Additionally, it clarifies that the motivation for the defendant's conduct does not need to be the predominant or sole reason for the crime. 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 the National Guard, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived membership in any such group.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that it will take effect on July 1, 2025. The penalties for hate-motivated crimes are structured based on the maximum penalty of the underlying crime, with specific fines and imprisonment terms outlined for different categories of offenses. This legislative change aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding hate crimes and ensure that motivations based on protected characteristics are adequately addressed in sentencing.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1455
As Passed By the House -- Official: 13-1455
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 13-1455
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 13-1455
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 13-1455
As Enacted: 13-1455