Bill > S0054

This bill proposes to repeal Vermont's existing prostitution laws that criminalize consensual sex work between adults, while maintaining strict prohibitions and criminal penalties for human trafficking. The legislation is grounded in research showing that criminalizing sex work increases risks of violence, health problems, and social marginalization for sex workers. The bill provides detailed definitions of coercion in the context of commercial sex acts and retains robust legal protections for minors and individuals being forced into sex work through threats, fraud, or manipulation. Specifically, it would make it illegal to recruit, transport, or exploit anyone under 18 or any person through force or coercion for commercial sex acts, with penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment depending on the severity of the trafficking offense. The bill's underlying intent is to recognize personal autonomy, reduce harm to sex workers, and focus law enforcement efforts on combating actual exploitation and trafficking, rather than criminalizing consensual adult sex work. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage, effectively decriminalizing voluntary sex work while maintaining strong protections against human trafficking.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.54