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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont bill classifies firearm theft as grand larceny and restricts firearm possession in alcohol-serving establishments
Last action · May 13, 2026: Read first time and referred to the Committee on JudiciarySponsor: Phil Baruth
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill reclassifies the theft of any firearm as , increases penalties for repeat firearms possession by prohibited persons, and prohibits firearms on premises licensed to serve alcohol. It also bans machine guns and restricts firearm possession by individuals found by a court to pose a danger due to mental illness.
The measure establishes new criminal penalties carrying up to 10 years in prison for stealing a firearm of any value and criminalizes carrying firearms into bars, restaurants, and other locations licensed to serve alcohol, with specific exemptions for law enforcement and license holders.
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.
Firearm owners
Firearm owners face stricter penalties for weapon theft, new prohibitions in alcohol-serving venues, and restrictions based on mental health determinations.
Owners and operators of premises licensed to serve alcohol
Establishment owners are required to conspicuously post notice of the firearm prohibition at each public entrance.
Law enforcement officers
Certified law enforcement officers are explicitly exempted from the firearm prohibition while carrying weapons for legitimate enforcement purposes.
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
Does the bill make stealing any firearm grand larceny?
Am I allowed to carry a firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol?
What happens if someone violates the prohibition on possessing firearms on alcohol-serving premises?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.
Procedural history
17 actions- May 13, 2026HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
- May 8, 2026SenateFloorRead 3rd time & passed on roll call, requested by Senator Ingalls , Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 17, Nays = 13
- May 8, 2026SenateRoll Call, Requested by Sen. Ingalls
- May 8, 2026SenateNew Business/Third Reading
- May 7, 2026Senate3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 17, Nays = 13
- May 7, 2026SenateRoll Call, Requested by Sen. Ingalls
Show 11 earlier actions
- May 7, 2026SenateRecommendation of amendment by Committee on Judiciary agreed to on roll call, requested by Senator Ingalls , Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 17, Nays = 13
- May 7, 2026SenateRoll Call, Requested by Sen. Ingalls
- May 7, 2026SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Baruth for Committee on Judiciary
- May 7, 2026SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary
- May 7, 2026SenateUnfinished Business/Second Reading
- May 6, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Judiciary
- May 6, 2026SenateNew Business/Second Reading
- May 5, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Judiciary
- May 5, 2026SenateSecond Reading
- May 5, 2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
- Apr 15, 2026SenateIntroducedRead 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.
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
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Expansion of Grand Larceny Scope
The bill removes the monetary threshold requirement for property theft when the stolen item is a firearm, automatically elevating it to grand larceny.
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz60Current news / social attention level
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