Vermont: Unnecessary Gun Control Bill Unveiled in Montpelier

Lawmaker Wants One of the Strictest Waiting Periods in the Country! 

House Bill 335 and House Bill 336, both sponsored by Representative George Till (D-Chittenden-3), were introduced this week in the Vermont House of Representatives.  These bills do nothing to address public safety or crime, and they represent yet another attack on the Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners.

House Bill 335 would impose a 48-hour waiting period on the purchase of a firearm.  After completing a NICS (National Instant Check System) check, the firearm would be held at the dealer’s shop for 2 days.  The waiting period would apply to all firearm purchases, including pistols, rifles and shotguns.   Waiting periods have no impact on public safety or crime.  On the other hand, waiting periods compromise the personal safety of individuals who may be facing a specific threat and are in need of immediate protection.

Criminals do not used legally purchased, registered firearms.  The vast majority of states do not have waiting periods because they have been wholly ineffective.  Because this legislation imposes a waiting period on both pistols and long guns, it would be one of the strictest waiting periods in the country. 

House Bill 336 is also a flawed piece of legislation.  It prohibits the “pointing or aiming” of a firearm at another individual and imposes a fine and jail time.  It does not make an exemption for individuals acting in self-defense.  Anyone who uses a firearm to legally defend themselves from a criminal attack would be subject to criminal prosecution.

Also introduced is House Bill 341 Sponsored by John Moran (D-Windham-Bennington) that would allow the legal use of suppressors for all people lawfully using a firearm. This would allow hunters and recreational shooters alike to help protect their hearing and lessen noise complaints. Your NRA-ILA will keep you informed of this legislation when more information is available.

 Both HB 335 and HB 336 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee but have not been scheduled for a hearing date.  Please contact the House Judiciary Committee members and ask them to oppose HB 335 and HB 336 Your NRA-ILA will continue to post updates as information becomes available.

House Judiciary Committee:

William Lippert Chairman (D-Chittenden-4-2)

(802)482-3528

[email protected]

Maxine Grad Vice Chairman (D-Washington-7)

(802)496-7667

[email protected]

Thomas Koch Ranking Member (R/D-Washington-2)

(802)476-4141

[email protected]

Charles Conquest (D-Orange-Caledonia)

(802)757-3803

[email protected]

Andrew Donaghy (R-Rutland-1)

(802)287-9693

[email protected]

Michelle Fay (D-Caledonia-3)

(802)748-1291

[email protected]

Charles Goodwin (I-Windham-Bennington-Windsor)

(802)824-6817

[email protected]

Richard Marek (D-Windham-5)

(802)365-9107

[email protected]

Vicki Strong (R-Orleans-Caledonia)

(802)754-2790

[email protected]

Linda Waite-Simpson (D-Chittenden-8-2)

(802)872-0499

[email protected]