MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Senate Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would close a loophole in state law that allows victims in sexual assault cases to be held liable for their assault in civil cases.
Under current law, a jury can reduce a plaintiff’s payout in civil actions if they determine that the victim bears some responsibility for their sexual assault. The new bill approved unanimously would exempt survivors of sexual assault from contributory negligence.
The bill stems from the 2011 hazing scandal involving the Milton football team where one of the victims was found partially negligent.
The measure needs one more vote in the Senate before heading to the House.
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