PUBLIC HEARING, JANUARY 30, 2018

5:30 PM, VERMONT STATE HOUSE

THREE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION BILLS NEED YOUR SUPPORT
NOW IS THE TIME FOR GUN SENSE IN VERMONT. PLEDGE TO SHOW UP!

Change is coming! The 2018 session of the Vermont Legislature opened last week, and we are excited to see THREE separate bills proposing common-sense measures to prevent gun violence in Vermont (see details below).

Things are moving fast, and we must respond quickly and in great numbers to see these bills move forward.

We are mobilizing to turn out in force, and we need YOU there.

It is time to stand up, make our voices heard, and demand that politicians take action.

Click here to PLEDGE TO BE THERE ON JANUARY 30.

 

HEARING DETAILS

January 30, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Vermont State House
115 State St., Montpelier

GETTING THERE

We are chartering buses from Burlington, Brattleboro, and White River Junction.

For the BURLINGTON BUS: email sharon@gunsensevt.org

For the BRATTLEBORO BUS: email elissa@gunsensevt.org

For the WHITE RIVER JUNCTION BUS: email kathleen@gunsensevt.org

If you NEED a ride or can OFFER a ride, please email elissa@gunsensevt.org.

BEING THERE

We will make more information available regarding arrival times and meeting places as it becomes available.

We are not asking people to wear any specific colors or identifying clothing. Instead, we will provide green (gun violence prevention) and purple (domestic violence prevention) ribbons, as well as buttons.

We are still looking for people to TESTIFY, but it is equally important that we have as many supporters as possible in the audience. Simply being there will send a powerful message. If you want to testify by giving a brief (2 minute max.) statement, please email clai@gunsensevt.org.

 

THE BILLS

Background checks
S.6:  This bill proposes to require that a background check be conducted on the proposed transferee before a firearm may be transferred unless the transfer is between immediate family members, by or to a law enforcement agency, or by or to a law enforcement officer or member of the U.S. Armed Forces acting within the course of his or her official duties.

Remove weapons from person cited for domestic assault
H. 422: This bill proposes to require a law enforcement officer to confiscate a dangerous or deadly weapon from a person who is arrested or cited for domestic assault if the weapon is (1) in the immediate possession or control of the person being arrested or cited; (2) in plain view of the officer; or (3) discovered during a consensual search.This has been passed by the House and will go to the Senate.

Extreme Risk Protection Order
S.221: This bill proposes to establish a procedure for a law enforcement officer to obtain an extreme risk protection order. The order would prohibit a person from possessing a firearm for up to one year if the Family Division of the Superior Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person poses a significant danger of causing injury to himself or herself or another person by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or by having a firearm within the person’s custody or control.

 

If ever there were a time to show up for gun violence prevention in Vermont, this is it.

We ask you to do whatever you can to get yourself (and a few friends) to the State House on January 30.
Together we can do this.

 

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GUNSENSEVT: WORKING TOGETHER
FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

GunSense Vermont is a growing coalition of concerned citizens–gun owners, non gun owners, Democrats, Republicans, Progressives, Independents, and more–who understand that there is no other threat to public safety in the United States that looms as large as gun violence. GunSense Vermont advocates for universal background check legislation and other measures that will keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them.

 

“Our attention this morning is focused on Sandy Hook…” “Our attention this morning is focused on Orlando…” “Our attention this morning is focused on Las Vegas…” Who among us doesn’t hold his or her breath when turning on the TV or radio and hearing a story that leads with those words? Tragically, Monday morning was such a morning. To people who lost loved ones in the Las Vegas massacre, to witnesses traumatized by the violence, to first responders who had to deal with unimaginable scenes, to the injured whose wounds may never fully heal, we are sending strength. To the politicians who stand by, shooting after shooting, doing nothing to effect change, we are sending the message: We should not have to live in fear every time we or our loved ones leave the house for school, for a concert, for a movie, for work. Even if our US Senators and Representatives are supportive of gun violence prevention measures, they still need to hear from you. Please contact your elected officials today with the message: “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We are counting on you to address this public health crisis and keep guns out of the wrong hands.” Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott has long held that Vermont’s extremely lax gun laws are adequate. We urge Vermont residents to contact Governor Scott with the message: “Vermont is not an island. We are part of a nation that is experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis in the form of gun violence. We must do our part by passing universal background check legislation in Vermont now.” Please also consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. A simple letter summarizing your reaction to this tragedy and encouraging legislative action can send a powerful message to lawmakers and fellow Vermonters. It is easy at times like this to feel utterly defeated, but we owe it to all those who suffer to keep fighting for common sense gun legislation. GunSense Vermont continues to champion the much needed goal of background checks for every gun sold in our state. Thank you for joining us in the fight. -Your GunSense VT Leadership Team p.s.–If you are looking for a way to directly support those impacted by the violence in Las Vegas, we suggest: The National Compassion Fund (directly distributes donations from the public to victims of mass crime) Elissa Pine, GunSenseVT http://www.gunsensevt.org/