Bill > H0612

This bill establishes the "Vermont Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act" (RICO), creating a state-level version of the federal law to combat organized crime by targeting individuals and groups involved in a pattern of criminal activity for financial gain or to inflict harm. The act defines key terms such as "enterprise" (any legal entity or group of individuals, including illicit ones), "pattern of racketeering activity" (at least two related criminal acts, with specific timing requirements, or acts of domestic terrorism), and "racketeering activity" (a broad list of state and federal crimes, including fraud, theft, violence, and drug offenses). It prohibits acquiring or maintaining an interest in an enterprise or property through racketeering, or conducting an enterprise through such activity, and also criminalizes conspiracy to do so. Penalties include imprisonment up to 20 years, fines up to $25,000, or triple the financial gain from the violation. The bill also allows for civil remedies, such as injunctions to divest assets, restrictions on future activities, dissolution of enterprises, and forfeiture of property used in or derived from racketeering. Aggrieved individuals can sue for triple damages, attorney fees, and investigation costs. The act specifies a five-year statute of limitations for bringing actions and allows for reciprocal enforcement of judgments with other states.

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https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.612