After legislation for universal background checks was overwhelmingly rejected last year, gun-control initiatives once again failed or were seriously weakened in Vermont’s 2016 legislative session.
Charter changes had already been passed through the city of Burlington, but they were quickly and systematically struck down by lawmakers. Among many proposals—including another run at universal checks—the changes included allowing police confiscation of guns after domestic abuse accusations, barring guns from enterprises serving alcohol, a ban on lead ammunition, and requiring legally owned guns be locked away at home.
The vice president of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Evan Hughes, believes Vermonters are serious about protecting gun rights and urged voters to support pro-Second Amendment candidates. Hughes also noted the low crime numbers in Vermont, although the state boasts high gun ownership, adding the highest crime rates are in stringent gun-control cities like New York and Chicago.
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