The bill S.54, introduced by Senators Vyhovsky, Gulick, Harrison, Hart, and White, aims to reform Vermont's prostitution laws by repealing existing prohibitions against consensual sex work and indiscriminate sexual intercourse among adults. The legislation recognizes that current laws, which have remained largely unchanged for over a century, do not reflect modern values of personal and bodily autonomy. It highlights the negative consequences of criminalizing voluntary sex work, including increased risks of violence and health issues for sex workers. The bill emphasizes the need for reform to reduce harm and improve health outcomes for individuals engaged in sex work.

While the bill seeks to decriminalize consensual sex work, it maintains strict prohibitions and penalties for human trafficking, particularly for individuals coerced into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion. The proposed changes include the repeal of 13 V.S.A. chapter 59, subchapter 2, which pertains to prostitution, thereby allowing adults to engage in consensual sex work without legal repercussions. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reflecting a significant shift in the state's approach to sex work and human trafficking laws.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-59