| Bernard -- As you likely know, S.30 has now passed both the House and Senate, and is now sitting in front of Governor Scott. Previously, Governor Scott has signaled a reluctance to sign this bill, as he is not inclined to sign unneeded bills. The Vermont GOP has started a petition to Governor Scott, asking him to veto this bill, and we respectfully ask that you please consider signing onto that petition by using this link. The GOP also published this editorial as well. We cannot support S.30 for the following reasons: Section 1: (Guns in Hospitals) - Hospitals are currently protected from firearms and weapons under 13 VSA 3705. Not only is this law working, it is working Very Well, and it allows for Discretion by Police instead of requiring Strict Liability. Section 2: (Background Checks) - This closes what has been called a "loophole" in the law that can allow a prohibited person to get a firearm ("default proceed"). It was never a loophole, it was created to insure that the FBI stayed focused to get a result; the ATF/FBI follows up on all "default proceeds"; and if there are problems with Vermont records that are causing this, then let's fix the records. Section 3: (Extreme Risk) - This section allows Health Care Professionals to report people to the authorities if they have a concern about them hurting themselves or others. Great idea, but isn't it likely that this will actually deter people from seeking help and speaking candidly? Section 4: (Expansion of ERPO Reporting) - We have no objection to this section. Section 5: (Exemption on Mag Ban) - We supported this. Section 6: (Firearm Relinquishment with Temp RFA/DV) - This suggested law steps all over Due Process. Under Federal Law, property cannot be seized unless the defendant gets their day in court; under Federal Law a defendant in a Temporary Relief From Abuse (RFA) cannot POSSESS a firearm. This suggest change would allow for property to be ordered relinquished without Due Process, possibly negatively affecting 1,500+ Vermonters annually by ordering relinquishment, just to have them returned within 2 weeks. We CANNOT Support S.30. Please use the link above to add your name to the GOP petition. Chris Thank You Donate to defend your rights: Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
http://www.vtfsc.com/ | 
