The bill amends 13 V.S.A. § 1455 concerning hate-motivated crimes in Vermont. It broadens the definition of motivation for such crimes by replacing references to "the victims" with "another persons or a group of persons" in relation to their actual or perceived membership in a protected category. This change clarifies that the motivation for a crime does not need to be solely based on the victim's characteristics. Additionally, the bill specifies that the protected categories 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.

Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties based on the severity of the underlying crime, with specific imprisonment terms and fines outlined for different categories of offenses. It also states that the motivation of the defendant can be considered as a factor in sentencing for more serious crimes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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