The bill H.381, introduced by Representatives Arsenault, Rachelson, and Mrowicki, aims 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.

Violations of this new law would result in penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that allows licensed dealers to transfer gas-operated semiautomatic firearms they lawfully possessed before 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, ensuring that all federally licensed dealers in Vermont are informed of these changes.