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Vermont's new gun control law and the bipartisan compromise behind it

Seth Perlman
/
AP
Vermont's new gun control law goes into effect in July.

Vermont's new gun control law extends the maximum wait period for a background check from three to seven days and bans firearms from hospitals. It also allows health care providers to notify law enforcement and seek an emergency risk protection order for someone they believe is a threat to themselves or to the public.

Earlier gun legislation that passed the Democratically-controlled state House and Senate would have extended the wait period for a background check to 30 days. After Republican Gov. Phil Scott vetoed that bill, he and lawmakers worked on a compromise measure. In March, the governor signed the bill into law, and it takes effect in July.

Jared Carter, assistant professor of law at Vermont Law School, explains the new law and how it is a rare example of bipartisan discussions and compromise.

Broadcast live on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

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Connor Cyrus was co-host and senior producer of Vermont Edition from 2021-2023.
Tedra joined Vermont Public as a producer for Vermont Edition in January 2022 and now serves as the Managing Editor and Senior Producer. Before moving to Vermont, she was a journalist in New York City for 20 years. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University.