An act relating to prohibiting discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a child care facility or school

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Perchlik

Prohibits discharging a firearm within 500 feet of any child care facility or school to enhance safety for students and staff.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

Summary of Bill S.22 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

S.22 seeks to prohibit the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a child care facility or school. The measure aims to reduce the risk of gunfire near environments where children are present, enhancing safety for students, staff, and families.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition territory: The bill makes it illegal to discharge a firearm within a 500-foot radius of any child care facility or school.

Scope of locations: Applies to facilities that provide care or instruction for children, including preschools, day cares, elementary, middle, and high schools within the jurisdiction.

Enforcement and penalties: While exact penalties are not stated in the summary history, the bill would establish criminal or civil penalties consistent with Vermont gun-safety and public safety statutes for violations of prohibited discharge near sensitive sites.

Exclusions and considerations: The bill’s text would specify any exceptions (e.g., lawful self-defense, law enforcement activities, or other statutory exemptions). The summary does not indicate whether such exceptions exist; the full bill text would clarify.

Relationship to other laws: Aligns with existing Vermont fireams regulations and safety standards, potentially triggering related permitting, enforcement, and reporting mechanisms.

Who would be affected

Individuals discharging firearms: People situated within 500 feet of a child care facility or school would be subject to the prohibition and potential penalties.

Operators and staff of facilities: Child care centers and schools would gain a legal tool to constrain nearby firearm discharge and to enhance safety planning and enforcement.

Law enforcement and judiciary: Agencies and courts would interpret, enforce, and adjudicate violations under the new provision.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was read in the 1st reading and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2025.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senator Andrew Perchlik.

Potential impact and considerations

Public safety: If enacted, the rule could reduce risks of gunfire near places where children are present, potentially decreasing injuries or fatalities from stray or intentional discharges.

Operational impact: May affect outdoor activities and events near schools or child care facilities, requiring adjustments to shooting practices or relocation of targets and gatherings.

Enforcement and clarity: The effectiveness will depend on defined exceptions, enforcement standards, and clear mapping of restricted zones to avoid ambiguity for residents and visitors.

Note: For a complete understanding of all specifics, including exact penalties, exceptions, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms, the bill text should be reviewed in full.