The Vermont House of Representatives convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss Senate Bill 209, which aims to prohibit non-serialized firearms and unserialized firearm frames and receivers. The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, which recommended amendments to the House for consideration.

During the session, Representative Arsenal from Williston presented the bill, highlighting two primary concerns: the rise of untraceable firearms used in crimes and the need for enhanced protection for election officials and voters at polling places. The proposed legislation seeks to address these issues by mandating that all firearms, frames, and receivers bear serial numbers, thereby making them traceable.

Currently, individuals can manufacture firearms at home using 3D printers or assemble parts received by mail without any requirement for serial numbers or background checks. These privately manufactured firearms, often referred to as "ghost guns," pose significant challenges for law enforcement due to their untraceable nature. Under S209, individuals would still be able to create firearms at home, provided they obtain a serial number and undergo a background check.

The bill introduces the Vermont Ghost Guns Act, which includes definitions and prohibitions regarding unserialized firearms. Key provisions include:

- **Prohibition on Possession and Transfer**: Individuals cannot possess or transfer unserialized firearms or frames unless they are marked with a serial number by a federal firearms licensee (FFL). Exceptions exist for antiques and firearms manufactured before 1968.
- **Manufacturing Restrictions**: The bill prohibits the manufacturing of unserialized firearms unless the manufacturer is licensed, explicitly including 3D printing.
- **Penalties**: Violations related to possession of unserialized firearms are classified as civil offenses, while transferring or manufacturing such firearms constitutes a misdemeanor, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individuals to have their firearms serialized by an FFL, which includes conducting background checks before returning the firearms.

The session also addressed provisions related to polling places. The bill prohibits the possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at polling locations and on the paths leading to them on election days. Violators may face imprisonment or fines similar to those for unlawful possession of firearms at schools. Exceptions are made for law enforcement and authorized personnel.

The meeting concluded with a reiteration of the importance of these measures in enhancing public safety and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The House will continue to review the bill and its amendments in upcoming sessions.