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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont establishes 25-foot buffer zone around first responders during emergencies
Last action · January 15, 2026: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military AffairsSponsor: Thomas Oliver
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What This Bill Would Do
Vermont lawmakers are considering a bill that requires members of the public to stay at least 25 feet away from first responders during active public safety emergencies under specific conditions. Violating the distance requirement after receiving a verbal warning and with intent to obstruct, threaten, or harass carries penalties of up to 60 days in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both, starting January 1, 2027.
The measure establishes a new criminal penalty for approaching active emergency scenes, directly altering what constitutes legal physical proximity for bystanders observing or recording law enforcement, firefighters, and medical personnel.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
members of the public
Individuals near emergency scenes face potential criminal penalties if they approach within 25 feet of first responders after receiving a verbal warning.
law enforcement officers
Officers gain the legal authority to order bystanders to maintain a 25-foot buffer during public safety emergencies.
firefighters
Firefighters gain the ability to establish a 25-foot distance buffer from bystanders during active emergency response duties.
emergency medical personnel
Medical personnel are covered under the buffer zone protections while performing legal duties during acute public safety events.
Key Facts
- Members of the public are prohibited from intentionally remaining or coming within 25 feet of a first responder during an ongoing public safety emergency after receiving a verbal identification and warning.
- The 25-foot proximity restriction applies only when an individual acts with intent to obstruct duties, threaten physical harm, or harass the first responder.
- Violations of the buffer zone requirement are punishable by imprisonment of not more than 60 days, a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
- First responders include certified law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
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- A public safety emergency is defined as an acute event where a first responder addresses an immediate threat to public health or safety.
- The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers the 25-foot buffer rule during an emergency?
Who qualifies as a first responder under this bill?
What are the penalties for violating the buffer zone?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 15, 2026HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy65Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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