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Bill

S 167

An act relating to prohibiting possession of semiautomatic assault weapons

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Chittenden and 11 co-sponsors

Prohibits possession of semiautomatic assault weapons in Vermont, with penalties, enforcement, and compliance timelines for owners, buyers, and dealers.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 167

Summary of S.167 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is titled An act relating to prohibiting possession of semiautomatic assault weapons.
  • Its core aim is to prohibit the possession of semiautomatic assault weapons within the state, establishing legal consequences for possession and outlining associated enforcement and regulatory framework.
  • The measure is designed to reduce access to a defined class of firearms believed by proponents to be high-risk for use in mass shooting events and violent crime.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on possession: The bill would make it unlawful for individuals to possess semiautomatic assault weapons. The term generally includes firearms that are semiautomatic and meet specific characteristics (e.g., features commonly associated with assault weapons). The exact statutory definition (included in the bill) would determine which weapons fall under the prohibition.

  • Penalties for violators: The act would establish criminal penalties for possession in violation of the prohibition. Penalty levels (e.g., fines, imprisonment, or both) and any graduated penalties based on circumstances (such as prior offenses or age of offender) would be specified in the text.

  • Effective dates and transition provisions: The bill would outline when the prohibition takes effect (e.g., upon enactment or after a specified period) and any phase-in provisions for compliance by owners or dealers.

  • Exemptions and special cases:

    • Possible exemptions for law enforcement, military, or regulatory purposes.
    • Provisions addressing possession by individuals who lawfully possessed such rifles prior to enactment (e.g., grandfathering clauses or buyback/registration options), if included.
    • Provisions related to transfers, sales, or possession by out-of-state residents.

  • Enforcement and implementation: The bill would assign enforcement responsibilities to relevant Vermont law enforcement agencies and outline any required training, reporting, or data collection related to enforcement and compliance.

  • Regulatory alignment: The act may reference or align with existing state firearm laws, including definitions of firearms, permissible restrictions, safe storage, purchase background checks, and limits on possession by prohibited categories.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals: Persons who possess semiautomatic assault weapons within Vermont would be directly subject to the prohibition and associated penalties if they continue possession after the effective date.
  • Potential owners and buyers: Prospective purchasers of semiautomatic assault weapons would be barred from possession, and transfer or sale within the state would be regulated.
  • Law enforcement and judicial systems: Agencies and courts would administer and adjudicate violations, with potential resource implications for enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing.
  • Businesses and dealers: Firearm retailers and importers operating in Vermont may need to verify compliance, adjust inventories, and adhere to any transfer restrictions or reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: The bill was introduced and read a first time on January 6, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.
  • Committee process: As a measure referred to the Judiciary Committee, it will undergo hearings, potential amendments, and votes within that committee before advancing to the full legislature.
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors: The bill has a primary sponsor and a broad slate of co-sponsors, signaling notable legislative support. Co-sponsors include Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Andrew Perchlik, Joe Major, Wendy Harrison, Anne Watson, Ruth Hardy, Ginny Lyons, Martine Gulick, Alison Clarkson, Ann Cummings, Thomas Chittenden, Becca White, among others.

Notes for readers

  • The summary focuses on the bill’s stated aim to prohibit possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and the typical components of such legislation (definition, penalties, exemptions, enforcement, and effective date). The exact language, definitions, and precise penalties will be determined by the final text enacted by the General Assembly.
  • For stakeholders (owners, potential buyers, advocates, and law enforcement), monitoring committee hearings and the bill’s progression will provide the definitive details on exemptions, grandfathering, and compliance timelines.

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

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