Vermont House Judiciary Committee Narrowly Approves New Firearm Restrictions Amid Sharp Partisan Division in Montpelier

Vermont lawmakers narrowly pass H.606 out of committee, a bill that would bar gun ownership for those under court ordered outpatient mental health treatment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 12:17 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Boston Globe

Partisan Divide Marks Committee Advancement of House Bill 606

The Vermont House Judiciary Committee moved forward with a significant piece of firearm legislation on Friday, highlighting a deep ideological split within the statehouse. The bill, designated as H.606, passed with a narrow 6 to 5 margin that strictly followed party lines. All Democratic members, led by Committee Chair Martin LaLonde of South Burlington, supported the measure, while the committee,s five Republican representatives stood in unanimous opposition as the deadline for moving bills out of committee arrived.

Mental Health Provisions Spark Intensive Legislative Debate

At the center of the legislative friction is a provision that would prohibit the purchase or possession of firearms by individuals subject to court mandated outpatient mental health services. Proponents argue that the measure is a necessary public safety intervention designed to prevent individuals in crisis from accessing lethal means. Conversely, critics have raised concerns regarding the potential infringement on second amendment rights and the due process protections afforded to those receiving mental health care.

Meeting Critical Deadlines for Legislative Viability

The timing of the committee vote was essential for the bill,s survival during the current session. In the Vermont legislature, bills must generally clear their assigned committees by a specific crossover deadline to remain eligible for a full chamber vote and eventual consideration by the Senate. By advancing H.606 on Friday, the House Judiciary Committee has ensured that the debate over expanded gun restrictions will continue on the House floor, despite the narrow margin of support within the panel.