The bill H.626 amends Vermont law to enhance protections against voyeurism, sexual extortion, and the non-consensual disclosure of sexually explicit images. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "harm," "surveillance," and "intimate areas," and prohibits the intentional viewing, photographing, or recording of another person's intimate areas without consent in private settings. The bill establishes penalties for such violations, including imprisonment and fines, and allows for civil actions against individuals who disclose images without consent, retroactively applying to violations occurring after July 1, 2005. Additionally, it criminalizes sexual extortion, making it illegal to threaten to disclose intimate images to coerce individuals into certain actions, with penalties varying based on the victim's age and the offense's severity.

Moreover, the bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting serious crimes, allowing up to 40 years for offenses like lewd conduct against minors and sexual exploitation of children. It also includes voyeurism and non-consensual image disclosure under this extended limitation. Prosecutions for arson and first-degree aggravated domestic assault must now be initiated within 11 years, while other felonies and misdemeanors have a three-year limit. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aiming to provide victims with more time to seek justice and reflecting a shift in the legal approach to these offenses.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-2605, 13-2606, 13-4501
As Passed By the House -- Official: 13-2605, 13-2606, 13-4501
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 13-2605, 13-2606, 13-4501