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House concurs in Senate amendment to strengthen penalties for image‑based abuse
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Summary
The Vermont House on April 21 concurred in a Senate amendment to H.626, which increases criminal penalties for certain image‑based abuse and creates enhanced penalties for voyeurism against victims under 18; House Judiciary had recommended concurrence after hearing from prosecutors and advocates.
The Vermont House on April 21 voted by voice to concur in a Senate amendment to H.626, a bill strengthening criminal and civil responses to image‑based abuse (creation, distribution, or threat to share explicit images without consent).
A member speaking on the floor summarized the amendment's changes: for a first offense involving a victim under 18, a violator of specified subsections would face up to three years' imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000, or both; for a second or subsequent offense involving an adult victim, the amendment carries a penalty of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The speaker said the amendment aims to recognize "unique harms that image‑based abuse imposes on youth victims."
The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from the defender general, state's attorneys, sheriffs and the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence, the floor summary said, and recommended that the House concur in the Senate proposal of amendment by a 10‑0‑1 vote. The House then concurred by voice vote.
What happens next: With concurrence announced on the floor, the amendment is accepted and the bill will proceed according to the legislative calendar for final disposition.
