An act relating to prohibiting firearms and deadly weapons in schools, on school property, and at childcare centers
H.97 would expand Vermont’s prohibition on possessing firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons in schools and on school property, and it would expressly extend that policy to childcare centers and prequalified private prekindergarten providers. The bill amends 13 V.S.A. § 4004 to make clear that the ban applies in school buildings, on school buses, and on school property, while preserving exceptions for law enforcement officers and for school-authorized possession or use for specific instructional or other approved purposes. It also keeps an exception for a person at a childcare facility located in that person’s residence.
The bill defines “school” to include certain prekindergarten and childcare settings, and it clarifies that “school property” includes property owned by a school, including motor vehicles. It also states that the weapons prohibition does not limit prosecution for other offenses, such as assault. The act would take effect on passage, so if enacted it would immediately change the scope of Vermont’s weapons-in-school law and bring childcare-related settings within the same statutory framework.
If enacted, H.97 would broaden Vermont’s criminal weapons restrictions by adding childcare centers and prequalified private prekindergarten providers to the locations covered by the school weapons ban. It would amend 13 V.S.A. § 4004, increasing the reach of the existing offense for possession of a firearm or dangerous or deadly weapon in a school building, on a school bus, or on school property, while preserving current exceptions for law enforcement and school-approved uses. The bill would affect gun owners, school officials, childcare providers, and anyone entering covered educational or childcare settings with a firearm or other deadly weapon.
Based on the bill’s sponsorship and the absence of recorded opposition in the provided materials, the bill appears to reflect a generally safety-oriented, preventive approach to protecting children in educational and childcare environments. The broad list of House sponsors suggests notable legislative support at introduction. No committee testimony or vote record was provided, so there is no documented public debate in the supplied materials to indicate divided sentiment.
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the breadth of the weapon ban and the extension of school-style restrictions to childcare facilities and prekindergarten settings. Supporters would likely emphasize child safety and consistency across settings, while critics may focus on the scope of the prohibition, the treatment of lawful firearm possession, and how the law would apply to childcare facilities located in a person’s residence. Another possible issue is the discretion given to school boards, superintendents, and principals to authorize possession or use for specific occasions or instructional purposes.