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 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.

The bill also establishes specific penalties based on the maximum penalty for the underlying crime, with increased penalties for crimes motivated by hate. It stipulates that if the underlying crime carries a maximum penalty of one year or less, the hate-motivated crime penalty can be up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of $2,000. For crimes with a maximum penalty between one and five years, the penalty can be up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of $10,000. For crimes with a maximum penalty of five years or more, the court must consider the defendant's motivation as a factor in sentencing. 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