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H 350

An act relating to automatic opening knives

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Noyes

H.350 aims to regulate automatic opening knives by defining them, restricting possession or sale in certain cases, and establishing penalties and enforcement.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 350

Summary of H.350 (2025-2026) – Vermont: An act relating to automatic opening knives

Purpose and intent

  • The bill, H.350, is introduced in the Vermont House of Representatives with the stated aim of addressing automatic opening knives. It seeks to create, modify, or clarify legal standards surrounding these tools, including definitions, restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Noyes (with a co-sponsor noted) and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, the measure is in the early legislative stage (first reading).

Key provisions and changes (as proposed)

  • Although the specific text of H.350 is not provided in the provided materials, bills of this type typically address one or more of the following areas:
    • Definitions: Establishing what qualifies as an “automatic opening knife” (including devices that deploy a blade via a button, lever, or switch, often enabling automatic or assisted opening).
    • Prohibited possession or use: Potential prohibitions on possession by certain individuals (e.g., minors, persons with restraining orders), or prohibitions in certain places (schools, government buildings, events).
    • Purchase and transfer restrictions: Rules governing sale, transfer, or possession by private individuals or entities (including retailers and online platforms).
    • Penalties: Establishing criminal or civil penalties for violations (e.g., fines, misdemeanor or felony classifications, confiscation).
    • Exceptions or defense provisions: Possible allowances for certain professional uses (e.g., within law enforcement, military, or licensed trades) or for specific configurations (e.g., non-automatic or assisted-opening knives).
    • Enforcement and penalties: Provisions detailing how violations are prosecuted, with penalties commensurate with the risk associated with automatic opening knives.

Note: The exact textual provisions are not provided in the summary materials. The above items reflect common components of similar firearms- or weapon-regulation bills and the standard scope for “automatic opening knife” legislation. The final enacted text could include one or more of these elements, or other nuanced provisions.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals: If the bill imposes possession or purchase restrictions, Vermont residents and visitors who possess, purchase, or transport automatic opening knives could be impacted.
  • Retailers and sellers: Retailers of knives, whether in-person or online, may face new restrictions on selling automatic opening knives to certain customers or locations, and may need to implement age-verification or other compliance measures.
  • Law enforcement and judiciary: If penalties or enforcement mechanisms are introduced, agencies responsible for enforcing knife-related laws and prosecuting violations would implement new procedures.
  • Institutions and venues: Institutions (schools, government buildings, events) where possession might be restricted could see changes in allowed items or security protocols.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: H.350 has had its first reading and was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary (as of February 25, 2025).
  • Next steps: The bill would typically undergo committee consideration, possible amendments, and hearings. If approved by the Judiciary Committee, it would move to the floor for debate and further votes, followed by potential conference or final passage actions in both chambers and, if enacted, signature by the governor or override processes as applicable.
  • Dates: The last recorded action is February 25, 2025 (read first time, referred to Judiciary). No further committee meeting history is listed in the provided material.

Practical notes

  • For readers seeking the precise scope, definitions, and penalties, the final bill text is essential. The current information provides the bill’s intent to regulate or restrict automatic opening knives and indicates the sponsoring representative and committee process.
  • Interested parties should monitor committee hearings and subsequent floor actions in the Vermont General Assembly for updates, amendments, and final disposition.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact language once the official bill text is available and update this summary with specific definitions, prohibited acts, exceptions, and penalties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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