GIFFORDS Celebrates Passage of Gun Safety Bill in Vermont
Washington DC — Today GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, celebrated the passage of S.209, legislation that regulates ghost guns, which are untraceable guns that can be purchased and built without a background check. The legislation also creates critical protections for polling locations from armed intimidation.
Billy Clark, Senior Litigation Attorney & Second Amendment Issues Manager, GIFFORDS Law Center:
“Today, my home state has made me proud. Vermont passed critical gun safety measures to tackle the increasing public safety threat of ghost guns and keeps polling places free of armed intimidation. As other states look to improve their gun safety laws, Vermont serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration. GIFFORDS remains committed to supporting similar initiatives across the country to build a safer future.
“GIFFORDS is grateful to State Senator Dick Sears for introducing this legislation, State Representatives Martin LaLonde and Angela Arsenault for their work to protect polling places, and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth for continuing to champion gun safety reform.”
Vermont is the 22nd state, plus DC, to address guns at polling places and the 14th state to address ghost guns.
According to Giffords Law Center’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard, Vermont received a B- grade. Since failing in 2017, Vermont has made progress by enacting universal background checks, passing an extreme risk protection law, raising the minimum age to purchase firearms, limiting access to large-capacity magazines, requiring a 72 hour waiting period, and passing safe storage legislation.
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