VT H0041

Creates new criminal offense prohibiting knowingly burning, mutilating, disfiguring, dismembering, or destroying a dead body without legal authorization, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine

Establishes enhanced penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine when abuse of a dead body is committed to conceal a crime or avoid prosecution, or when sexual conduct is committed upon a dead body

Defines "sexual conduct" broadly to include various forms of contact, intrusion, or touching of a dead body with sexual intent, as well as masturbation and bestiality

Amends existing unauthorized burial/removal statute to change penalty from criminal (up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine) to civil penalty of up to $1,000

Effective July 1, 2025; signed by Governor on May 22, 2025