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House Judiciary committee backs Senate amendment adding tougher voyeurism penalty for victims under 18 after deliberation
Summary
On April 17 the House Judiciary Committee reviewed a Senate amendment to H626 that raises penalties for non‑consensual recording (voyeurism) when the victim is under 18. Members heard testimony from Legislative Council, the Vermont Network and the Defender General and voted to recommend concurrence while flagging juvenile‑court and charging concerns.
The House Judiciary Committee on April 17 recommended concurrence with a Senate amendment to H626 that creates an enhanced penalty for voyeurism when the victim is under 18.
Michelle Charles of the Office of Legislative Council told the committee the Senate amendment adds a separate penalty tier for the voyeurism offense: voyeurism against adults remains a two‑year misdemeanor, but when the victim is under 18 the amendment makes first offenses a three‑year felony and repeat offenses a five‑year felony. Charles said the change mirrors the House’s two‑tier approach to sextortion and applies to viewing/recording conduct; dissemination of sexually explicit material remains governed by a separate statute.
Kim McManus of the…
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