Keeping You Informed
| Bernard -- Yesterday, May 20, the House Committee on Government Operations took further testimony on S.131, which is Burlington's attempt to exempt itself from Vermont's preemption statute, 24 VSA 2295. This Charter change was to ban "guns in bars". Let me be immediately clear that the Federation fully understands that drinking alcohol to any excess does not mix with firearms. We do not support that anymore than any of us would support mixing alcohol and vehicles. An outright ban however blankets everyone who enters, even those that will not drink at all, or who would not drink to excess. We've all heard of designated drivers, yes? It is highly questionable what the 33% of Burlingtonians who voted in their 2025 Town meeting thought they were voting for. Was it JUST "guns in bars?" Did they know it would also effect restaurants that serve alcohol? Did they think it would effect stores that sold beer? Did they know it would effect the 6 major hotels in Burlington, as well as the parking lots of those hotels and all bars and restaurants? No. That's because the initial version of S.131 was "constitutionally vague", just like their ballot item was. The Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and it's ally the Gun Owners of Vermont gave strong testimony in opposition to S.131 (VTFSC testimony is here), with video of the entire session here. Beyond our testimony, we are pleased to report that at the Federation's request: The Vermont Defender General was also invited to give testimony, who not only cautioned the Committee on the current unsettled nature of 2nd Circuit jurisprudence, they also were forced to correct misstatements made by a representative of the Giffords Group. This evening, we are exceptionally pleased to report that Governor Phil Scott has stated his intention to veto this bad piece of legislation should this ever make his desk, while also clearly stating he would veto a state-wide version if that should ever rear it's ugly head ( H.45 - introduced by Burlington Representatives). This misguided bill wasted precious legislative time based entirely on the whim of 1.68% of Vermont's adult voters in a blatant attempt to back-door the otherwise clear language of Vermont's preemption statute. Thank You Governor Scott and the 13 Senators who stand ready to sustain his veto if this is ever forced off the wall to waste even more time. If you like what you read and what we do: Please consider giving us a donation - Help US Help YOU! Yours in Freedom and Liberty - Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
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