Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Vermont Legislature
Follow VPR's statehouse coverage, featuring Pete Hirschfeld and Bob Kinzel in our Statehouse Bureau in Montpelier.

How Are You Reacting To Vermont's New Gun Laws?

Opponents and supporters of Vermont's new gun laws made thier voices heard at Gov. Scott's public signing of the bills into law.
Chip Allen
/
Times Argus
Opponents and supporters of Vermont's new gun laws made thier voices heard at Gov. Scott's public signing of the bills into law.

Gov. Phil Scott has signed three gun control measures into law, the first such rules for Vermont. We want to hear your thoughts on these laws and how you think they'll shape Vermont. 

Last week's public signing drew a crowd of vocal supporters and detractors. The three pieces of legislation signed by Gov. Scott are:

  • S.55, which has four major provisions: it requires mandatory background checks for private gun sales (with some exceptions); it raises the legal age to purchase any firearm to 21; it bans the possession of bump stocks; and it bans the acquisition or sale of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (or 15 for handguns).
  • H.422, which would remove firearms from those arrested or cited for domestic assault.
  • S.221, which would allow law enforcement officers to seek court orders to seize firearms from those deemed to pose an "extreme risk" to themselves or others.

Do you think the laws go too far? Or not far enough? How do you think the laws could change your life in Vermont? We'll also hear from:

  • Seth Chase, a lifelong gun owner and U.S. Army and Vermont Army National Guard veteran
  • Peter Trombly, a senior and student activist at Champlain Valley Union High School
  • Clai Lasher-Sommers, executive director of GunSenseVT
  • Chris Bradley, president of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
  • Sen. Dick Sears, who initially supported but then opposed S.55 

Broadcast Monday, April 16, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Editor's note: a version of this story appeared online stating S.55 would ban the "possession or sale of magazines holding more than 10 rounds." The new law does not apply to magazines in private possession prior to the law taking effect; rather, the law prohibits acquiring or importing new magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds after the effective date of April 11, 2018. The above text reflects the correction.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
Latest Stories