Vermont: 2013 Legislative Session Adjourns

Pro-Gun Bill Advances to Governor Shumlin’s Desk

 State lawmakers wrapped up their 2013 legislative session earlier this week in Montpelier with good results for Vermont NRA members.  Several anti-gun bills were introduced in Vermont this year, but none of them advanced beyond committee.  NRA members did a tremendous job of contacting their state legislators to express concerns about legislation that would attack the Second Amendment, and your telephone calls and e-mails made the difference.  However, anti-gun lawmakers who annually sponsor these proposals will not abandon their agenda.  Gun owners will need to remain vigilant as these anti-gun bills will carry over to the 2014 session.

Additionally, an important pro-gun bill prevailed this session.  Late last fall, the NRA met with state Representative Patrick Brennan (R-Chittenden) to discuss legislation allowing Vermonters to carry a handgun while bow hunting or dog training, provided that game may not be harvested with the pistol during archery season.  House Bill 129 was introduced by Representative Brennan and during the session was amended by the House Fish, Wildlife & Water Resources Committee into House Bill 101, the Game and Fish bill.  This legislation will allow bow hunters and dog trainers to provide for their own self-defense while afield.  This change is an important improvement as the number of women participating in these activities has increased and bow hunters and dog trainers typically enjoy their activities in remote areas.  H.101 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Peter Shumlin (D).

Thank you to all NRA members who contacted their legislators this session regarding these important issues!