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

H.118 expands the scope of hate-motivated crimes in Vermont by amending existing law. This bill specifies that a person who commits a crime motivated, in whole or in part, by another person's or a group of persons' actual or perceived membership in a protected category will face enhanced penalties. The penalties vary based on the severity of the underlying crime, with courts considering motivation as a sentencing factor for more serious offenses. "Protected category" includes characteristics like race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.