Criminal Justice

This bill strengthens Vermont's firearm laws by increasing penalties for theft and possession. It classifies stealing any firearm as a serious felony and raises prison sentences for individuals with prior convictions who possess guns again. The legislation also bans firearm ownership for people with certain mental health court findings, prohibits machine guns, and restricts carrying weapons on licensed alcohol premises.

H.489 adjusts the Vermont state budget for fiscal year 2025 by modifying funding allocations across multiple agencies. It increases total funding for the Judiciary by $2.56 million (primarily through General Fund) and shifts $786,000 from Operating Expenses to Personal Services for the Agency of Digital Services. The bill also raises Human Services funding by $841,000, including a $4.3 million increase in the Global Commitment fund, while reducing Public Safety Criminal Justice Services funding by $681,000. These changes directly affect state agencies managing digital infrastructure, courts, public safety, and human services programs. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on April 4, 2025, and did not become law.