Vermont Prohibits Possession of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons and Sets Penalties for Violations

Original title: An act relating to prohibiting possession of semiautomatic assault weapons

Last action · January 6, 2026: Read 1st time & referred to Committee on JudiciarySponsors: Alison Clarkson and 11 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

Vermont bill S. 167 prohibits individuals from possessing s, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500.00, or both, upon passage. Exemptions are provided for on- and off-duty law enforcement officers and active military members.

Why it matters

Changes criminal liability for anyone in Vermont possessing certain semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns, introducing misdemeanor-level penalties while explicitly exempting law enforcement and military 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.

Directly affected

Vermont residents

Individuals are prohibited from possessing certain semiautomatic firearms and face criminal penalties for non-compliance.

Directly affected

Law enforcement officers

Certified law enforcement officers are explicitly exempted from the possession prohibition for legitimate duties.

Directly affected

Military personnel

Active members of the National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces are exempted from the possession prohibition.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is exempt from the semiautomatic assault weapon possession ban?

Federal law enforcement officers, law enforcement officers certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, and active members of the Vermont National Guard, another state's National Guard, or the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt.

What are the penalties for violating the possession ban?

A person who violates the section may be imprisoned for not more than one year, fined not more than $500.00, or both.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 6, 2026SenateIntroduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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