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Bill

Bill

H 83

An act relating to firearms storage

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Bishop and 10 co-sponsors

The bill requires secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access, outlining owner duties and penalties for noncompliance.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 83

Overview

bill H.83 (2025-2026, Vermont) titled An act relating to firearms storage seeks to establish requirements and standards for the safe storage of firearms. The measure aims to reduce the risk of firearms being accessed by unauthorized users, including children, and to provide clear duties for firearm owners and penalties for noncompliance. The sponsors include a broad bipartisan group of representatives, with multiple co-sponsors.

Purpose and Intent

  • Improve public safety by ensuring firearms are stored securely when not in use.
  • Reduce unintentional injuries and fatalities from firearm access by unauthorized individuals.
  • Create consistent storage expectations across households and firearm owners within the state.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Storage Requirements: The bill establishes specific standards or designated practices for storing firearms, which may include locked containers, safes, or other secure storage methods. The exact standards would define when and how firearms must be secured.
  • Responsible Ownership: Provisions likely address the responsibilities of gun owners to ensure secure storage when a firearm is not in use, potentially covering diversion prevention and safe handling.
  • Compliance and Penalties: The act would specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms for violations of storage requirements. This could include civil penalties, fines, or other enforcement actions.
  • Exemptions and Special Cases: The bill may outline exemptions (e.g., temporary possession by a non-owner, professional duties, or law enforcement activities) and any conditions that would apply in those scenarios.
  • Coordination with Other Laws: Provisions may reference existing Vermont firearms or safety laws to avoid conflicts and ensure consistency.

Who Is Affected

  • Individual firearm owners and possessors within Vermont who must comply with storage requirements.
  • Households and residents where firearms are kept, including those with children or at-risk individuals.
  • Law enforcement and local authorities responsible for enforcing storage laws and handling violations.
  • Retailers or dealers, if the bill includes provisions affecting transfer, receipt, or storage of firearms by third parties.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: On January 24, 2025, the bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary for study and potential amendment.
  • Committee Process: The measure will be examined by the Judiciary Committee, which may hold hearings, solicit expert testimony, and propose amendments.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through further readings and potential floor votes in the Vermont House, and possibly be reconciled with the Senate version if applicable, before reaching the governor for signature.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Safety: If effectively implemented, improved storage could reduce unauthorized access, especially by children, and decrease accidental shootings.
  • Compliance Burden: Depending on the specificity of required storage standards, the bill could impose costs or logistical considerations on firearm owners (e.g., purchasing safes or secure lockboxes).
  • Enforcement: The efficacy of penalties and enforcement will influence compliance and deterrence.
  • Privacy and Rights: As with many firearm-related measures, considerations around individual rights and reasonable accommodations may be discussed during the committee process.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and potential effects based on the title and available information. For full accuracy, review the bill’s text and any committee amendments or fiscal notes once published.

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

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