The bill H.381, introduced by Representatives Arsenault, Rachelson, and Mrowicki, seeks to prohibit the manufacture and transfer of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms in Vermont. It establishes a new section, 13 V.S.A. 4028, which outlines specific prohibitions against manufacturing, transferring, offering for sale, purchasing, or receiving these firearms. The bill defines gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and includes provisions for a list of prohibited firearms to be published by the Attorney General. It also specifies exceptions for certain transfers, such as those involving law enforcement or military personnel, and allows for appeals regarding the inclusion of firearms on the prohibited list.

Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to one year or fines up to $1,000. The prohibition will not apply to gas-operated semiautomatic firearms lawfully possessed by licensed dealers prior to the effective date of the act, which is set for October 1, 2025. The Attorney General is tasked with updating the list of prohibited firearms annually, and the bill includes detailed definitions of terms related to gas-operated firearms and their mechanisms.