Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that amends state domestic terrorism laws.

Highlights:

• Establishes the carrying of a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure multiple people as a felony crime that is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment, a $25,000 fine, or both (Sec. 1). 

• Increases the potential fine for carrying a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure a single person from $200 to $2,000 (Sec. 1). 

• Defines “domestic terrorism” as the act of engaging in or taking a substantial step towards causing the death or serious bodily injury of multiple people, or threatening any civilian population with mass destruction, killing, or kidnapping (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes a punishment of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a $50,000 fine, or both, for a person who willfully engages in an act of domestic terrorism (Sec. 2).

• Increases the potential penalty for knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon on school property from 2 to 3 years of imprisonment for a first offense, and from 3 to 5 years of imprisonment for subsequent offenses (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text