An act relating to creating a felony penalty for recklessly endangering another person

This bill proposes to create a felony-level penalty for recklessly endangering another person by discharging a firearm at or in the direction of someone, regardless of whether the person is hit. It amends Vermont law to establish that pointing a firearm at another person creates a presumption of recklessness, even if the gun was unloaded or the person didn't believe it was loaded. The penalty for discharging a firearm in this manner would be up to two years in prison or a $1,000 fine, compared to the current one-year maximum for general reckless endangerment. The law would take effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to anyone who commits this act within the state.