The bill H.118 amends the existing law on hate-motivated crimes in Vermont by broadening the definition of the victim's identity. It replaces the term "the victims" with "another persons or a group of persons" in the context of the perpetrator's motivation for committing a crime. 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 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 for the underlying crime, with specific terms of imprisonment and fines outlined for different categories of offenses. This legislative change aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding hate-motivated crimes and ensure that the motivations behind such actions are adequately considered in sentencing.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1455
As Passed By the House -- Official: 13-1455
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 13-1455