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S 19

An act relating to expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nader Hashim

The bill expands hate-motivated crime laws to cover more protected characteristics and circumstances, increasing penalties and protections for bias-based offenses.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 19

Overview

S.19 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont) is an act titled “An act relating to expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes.” The bill was read in the Senate for the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2025. Co-sponsor: Nader Hashim. The bill aims to broaden the categories and circumstances that can qualify criminal conduct as hate-motivated, with the goal of strengthening accountability and protection for victims based on protected characteristics.

Purpose and intent

  • Expand the scope of criminal offenses that can be charged as hate-motivated crimes.
  • Strengthen the legal framework to address bias and prejudice that shapes criminal conduct.
  • Improve protections for individuals targeted because of protected characteristics or statuses, by recognizing motive based on bias as an aggravating factor or as the central element of the offense.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s purpose; note: exact statutory text not provided in the summary)

  • Expansion of protected classes: The bill likely broadens or clarifies which characteristics are protected (e.g., race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other statuses) for purposes of hate-motivated crime charges.
  • Expansion of conduct covered: The bill may extend hate-motivated considerations to a wider set of criminal offenses or enhance penalties when bias is proven as a motivating factor.
  • Pleading and proof standards: Potential adjustments to how prosecutors must establish bias motivation (e.g., requiring evidence of motive or intent, or allowing evidence of bias to be considered as an aggravating factor in sentencing).
  • Penalties and sentencing: Possible modification of sentencing ranges or enhancements (e.g., increased penalties, fines, or probation conditions) when crimes are proven to be motivated by hate.
  • Immunities and defenses: Any clarifications regarding defenses or procedural protections related to hate-motivated crime charges.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals charged with crimes in Vermont where motive is related to bias against protected characteristics.
  • Victims and communities targeted by hate-based offenses, who could gain enhanced protections and potential penalties for perpetrators.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, which would apply broadened standards and procedures in investigations, charging decisions, and sentencing.
  • Public institutions and organizations focused on civil rights and anti-bias initiatives.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2025.
  • Legislative process: As a bill in the Vermont Legislature, it would proceed through committee hearings (Judiciary), potential amendments, votes in the Senate, and then passage to the House for consideration, followed by reconciliation if needed, and final enactment.
  • Effective date: The summary does not specify an effective date; typically, Vermont bills include aEffective date upon enactment or specify a future date.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety and civil rights: By expanding hate-motivated crime coverage, the bill could improve deterrence and accountability for bias-based offenses and provide clearer avenues for relief and support for victims.
  • Administrative burden: Courts and law enforcement may need additional training and resources to evaluate motive and bias, apply enhanced penalties, and manage related evidentiary issues.
  • Policy alignment: The measure would need to align with existing Vermont hate crime statutes, constitutional considerations, and comparable state approaches to bias motivation.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections once the bill’s text is available or provide a side-by-side comparison with Vermont’s current hate crime statutes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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