Vermont Lawmakers Narrowly Advance Bill Increasing Gun Restrictions and Crimes

The bill would bar people from owning or buying guns while receiving court-ordered mental health treatment, among other provisions.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:53am

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The Vermont House Judiciary Committee narrowly advanced a bill to increase gun restrictions in the state, with Democrats and Republicans divided along party lines. The bill includes a provision that would bar people from owning or buying guns while they are under a current court order to receive outpatient mental health treatment, which was a fiercely debated issue. The bill also makes it a felony to steal a firearm and largely bans the ownership or sale of machine guns.

Why it matters

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over balancing gun rights with public safety, particularly when it comes to individuals with mental health issues. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to address gaps in the state's laws, while opponents contend it unjustly infringes on Second Amendment rights.

The details

The bill, H.606, was passed by the House Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote, with all six Democrats voting in favor and the five Republicans voting against. The most controversial provision would prohibit individuals under a current court order for outpatient mental health treatment from owning or purchasing firearms. Supporters say this is needed because people in outpatient treatment may still be dangerous, while opponents argue that if someone is deemed fit for the community, they should retain their gun rights.

  • The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill on March 16, 2026, just before a deadline for bills to clear committee.
  • The committee began hearing from experts on the bill on March 15, 2026, the day before the vote.

The players

Rep. Martin LaLonde

Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a Democrat who voted in favor of the bill.

Rep. Zak Harvey

A Republican on the House Judiciary Committee who voted against the bill and asked Democrats to remove the provision regarding mental health treatment.

Rep. Angela Arsenault

A Democratic sponsor of the bill who argued the mental health treatment provision is necessary to address gaps in Vermont's laws.

Suzanne Lurie

A Charlotte woman who lost her father to gun violence and urged the committee to support the bill.

Chris Bradley

Executive director of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, who expressed concerns that the bill would unjustly take away people's Second Amendment rights.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, think about that, Republicans supporting a gun bill.”

— Rep. Zak Harvey

“The reason we're doing this is because guns that shoot fast kill more people.”

— Rep. Angela Arsenault, Democratic sponsor of the bill

“There's a real gap in our state. When someone is receiving court-ordered treatment outside of a psychiatric hospital, they aren't under close supervision even though they've been deemed to be dangerous.”

— Rep. Angela Arsenault, Democratic sponsor of the bill

“I think we can agree there are people that shouldn't have guns. But if a court has determined that someone can be in the community, then that person should have the right to own guns.”

— Chris Bradley, Executive director of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs

“You know that saying, that if you can't win on the substance you attack the process?”

— Rep. Martin LaLonde, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Vermont House of Representatives for further consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects the ongoing tension in Vermont and across the country over how to balance gun rights with public safety, particularly when it comes to individuals with mental health issues. The narrow passage of the bill in committee highlights the divisive nature of the debate.