Washington, D.C., April 11, 2018 - Gun violence prevention advocates hailed Vermont leaders today for passing and signing common-sense legislation to make its citizens safer. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence thanked Gov. Phil Scott for signing legislation that, among other items, will expand background checks, raise age restrictions on gun purchases, and ban bump stocks.
"Gov. Scott is proof that of how our elected officials can find their way on this important issue," stated Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Campaign. "Vermont has long had some of the most lax measures on gun safety, but today is more than a step in the right direction - it's a leap. And as Americans all over the country make it clear that they are crying out for stronger gun laws, elected officials will find that they can follow Vermont's lead or they can begin to look for new jobs."
Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, the Brady Campaign announced a three-point policy plan, including universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and enacting "Extreme Risk Protection Order" laws. The new legislation in Vermont is a strong step towards enacting all three policies in the state. Additionally, by expanding background checks to all gun sales and closing gaps that allow straw purchasers and gun traffickers to evade background checks and transport guns into other states, Vermont's legislation will have an impact on nearby states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
"Expanding background checks, banning high capacity magazines, and enforcing extreme risk laws are all common-sense solutions that have widespread support throughout the country," added Brady co-president Kris Brown. "We applaud Gov. Scott and the Vermont legislature for their actions in the wake of the Parkland shooting to make their state safer and to protect their citizens. This is a lesson for elected officials in Congress and across the nation - when you have the courage to act, you can save lives."
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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