VT S0301

Expands protected categories in public accommodations, housing, and hate crime laws to add citizenship, immigration status, source of income, housing status, veteran status, and crime victim status; replaces "religious creed" with "religion" throughout.

Creates the Civil Rights Coordinating Council, a 13-member body chaired by the Attorney General, to coordinate enforcement among state agencies, develop uniform complaint policies, create training curricula, and monitor federal civil rights policy changes.

Establishes the Civil Rights and Equal Protection Special Fund, administered by the Attorney General, funded by 2% of cannabis excise tax, 2% of sports wagering revenue, 0.25% of alcohol and tobacco taxes, and civil penalties from discrimination cases.

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Fund in FY2027 to the new special fund, with legislative intent to appropriate $12,000,000 annually in future years adjusted for inflation.

Requires mandatory civil rights training for all Executive Branch and municipal employees; lowers the harassment standard so conduct need not be "severe or pervasive" to be unlawful.