Vermont § 4024 - Negligent firearms storage

§ 4024. Negligent firearms storage

• (a)(1) A person who stores or keeps a firearm within any premises that are under the person’s
  custody or control, and who knows or reasonably should know that a child or prohibited
  person is likely to gain access to the firearm, shall be: (A) imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both, if a
  child or prohibited person gains access to the firearm and uses it in the commission
  of a crime or displays it in a threatening manner; or (B) imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both, if
  a child or prohibited person gains access to the firearm and uses it to cause death
  or serious bodily injury to any person. (2) This subsection shall not apply if: (A) the firearm is carried by or within such close proximity that it can be readily retrieved
  and used by the owner or another authorized user; (B) a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm as a result of an illegal entry; (C) a child or prohibited person accesses and uses the firearm during the course of a
  lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person; or (D) the person stores or keeps the firearm in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant
  mechanical lock or other safety device. (b)(1) At any location where a licensed dealer conducts firearm sales or transfers, the licensed
  dealer shall conspicuously display a sign containing the information required by subdivision
  (2) of this subsection in any area where the sales or transfers occur. The sign shall
  be posted so that it can be easily viewed by persons purchasing or receiving firearms,
  and the sign shall not be removed, obscured, or rendered illegible. If the location
  where the sales or transfers occur is the premises listed on the dealer’s federal
  firearms license, an additional sign shall be placed at or near the entrance to the
  premises. (2) The sign required by subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be at least eight and
  one-half inches high by 11 inches wide and shall contain black text at least half
  an inch high against a white background. The sign shall contain the following text
  and no other statements or markings: “WARNING: Access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide;
  death during domestic violence disputes; and the unintentional death of children,
  household members, and others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or depression,
  call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “VT” to 741741. Failure to securely store firearms may result in criminal prosecution. It is important
  that the owner of a firearm seek firearm safety instructions from a certified firearms
  instructor and keep firearms secured from unauthorized use. Posted pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 4024.”