Gun bill gets new provision as pro-, anti-gunners speak out
An already controversial gun bill now states that bystanders who are present with a person with a restraining order could face jail time if they don’t help police with gun confiscations.
Noncompliance with new gun laws follows historical precedent
Noncompliance with federal laws mandating the return of escaped slaves was rampant throughout northern states. In 1850, the Vermont Legislature went so far as to pass a law effectively requiring state judicial and law enforcement officers to act in direct opposition to the federal Fugitive Slave Law.
Dozens arrested in comprehensive drug-and-firearm-related crackdown
A large drug-running operation involving Rutland residents and New York City-area individuals has been broken up in a sweeping crackdown by local, state and federal authorities, the Vermont Office of the United States Attorney announced Friday.
Deb Billado: Sustain Gov. Scott’s gun bill veto
Last June, Governor Scott vetoed S.169, a bill to impose additional gun restrictions on Vermonters, including a 24 hour waiting period to purchase a handgun. Now, the ball is in the court of the Legislature to decide whether to sustain or override this veto.
Senate to discuss public firearm carry ban soon
A Senate committee will soon consider a semi-auto public carry ban, the homeschool background check is dead, no local tax money is expected for commercial cannabis, and a CEO says a cloud tax is counterproductive.
Video: Pownal Selectboard votes to approve Second Amendment sanctuary resolution
The five members of the Pownal Sectboard on Friday voted unanimously to approve a nonbinding resolution to declare the town a sanctuary from unconstitutional gun-control laws.
New Gun Owners of Vermont president targets ‘Charleston loophole’ in committee hearing
New Gun Owners of Vermont president Eric Davis gave his first testimony Thursday at the Statehouse, and in it he told members of the House Judiciary Committee that forcing Vermonters to wait for lengthy background checks punishes law-abiding citizens.
Klar: Hands are deadly weapons
Perhaps Vermont schools should all teach martial arts — with its respect for elders, personal discipline, physical exercise and humility. These would be better skills and values to instill in our youth.
Video: Senate Committees on Health and Welfare, Judiciary evaluate gun waiting periods and suicide prevention
On Jan. 23, 2020, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee held a joint hearing to consider research on the effect of gun waiting periods on suicide.
Video: Senate Judiciary Committee discusses act related to firearms procedures
On Jan. 23, 2020, the Senate Committee on Judiciary reviewed S.169, an act related to firearms procedures including magazine capacity exemptions, firearms transfers and background checks, gun purchase waiting periods, and extreme risk protection orders.
Cavendish among Vermont towns to vote on Second Amendment ‘sanctuary’ status
Local voters are set to join Vermonters from four other communities across the state in seeking to create “Second Amendment sanctuaries” to protect gun owners from laws that erode longstanding state and federal gun rights.