VT H0118

Expands Vermont's hate crime law to cover crimes motivated by bias against any person or group of persons, not just the direct victim of the crime

Maintains existing penalty structure: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine for underlying crimes with 1-year maximum; up to 5 years and/or $10,000 fine for underlying crimes with 1-5 year maximum

Protected categories include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, military service, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived membership in any such group

Hate motivation need not be the sole or predominant reason for the defendant's conduct to qualify as a hate crime

Signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025