The bill S.141, introduced by Senators White and Clarkson, aims to prohibit the possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in State buildings in Vermont. It adds a new section, 13 V.S.A. 4028, which explicitly states that individuals are not allowed to knowingly possess a firearm or dangerous weapon within these buildings. Violations of this prohibition can result in imprisonment for up to one year or fines up to $2,000, with harsher penalties for those intending to use the weapon to commit a crime, which could lead to imprisonment for up to five years or fines up to $10,000.
The bill outlines several exceptions to this prohibition, including provisions for law enforcement officers, military personnel on duty, and specific authorized activities related to educational or training classes conducted by state agencies. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "dangerous or deadly weapon," "firearm," and "State building" to clarify the scope of the law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.