An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the prohibitions on discrimination

This bill, S.301 ("Vermont Civil Rights Sovereignty and Equal Protection Act of 2026"), modernizes Vermont’s civil rights laws by expanding protections against discrimination in public accommodations and housing. It directly affects all Vermont residents by adding gender identity, immigration status, crime victim status, and other characteristics to protected classes, and redefines "harassment" to be unlawful regardless of severity. Key provisions include creating a state-funded Civil Rights Coordinating Council and Special Fund to enforce protections independently of federal policy, and requiring state agencies to combat housing segregation. The bill also updates definitions to clarify that discrimination includes barriers restricting access to housing or services based on protected characteristics.