Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) expressed his skepticism over new gun control measures lawmakers pushed for his state, but in the end he caved. The bill to ban so-called “ghost guns” and spread the net over concealed carry further became law last week without his signature.
Scott released a statement attempting to explain his puzzling position. “While my concerns on the practical impacts and enforceability keep me from signing this bill, I’m allowing it to go into law because I understand the fears behind access to untraceable guns and respect the effort to tailor the scope and exceptions to limit impact for law-abiding citizens.”
Scott hedged his bets by declaring that guns should be serialized before criticizing the legislature for making simple possession of a “ghost gun” a crime. He added that the focus should be on reversing anti-police measures and holding criminals accountable.
The governor essentially chose a middle path between full endorsement with his signature and wielding his veto power. But the result is the same.
The latest action ran counter to Vermont’s history of respecting Second Amendment rights. For example, the Green Mountain State is the only one in the Union that does not require a permit to legally carry a weapon.
It will join 13 others in restricting “ghost guns” when S.209 takes effect next February.
Residents will continue to be permitted to construct guns at home, but with an enormous catch. Now hobbyists are required to have parts of the weapon serialized by a federal firearms dealer.
That party will also be forced to conduct a criminal background check on the person who built the weapon.
In addition, the bill prohibits possession of a weapon at a polling place or on the surrounding walkways.
While drawing praise from gun control advocates, the new law did not garner a similar response from Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Chris Bradley.
Interviewed by The Reload, Bradley revealed that a legal challenge to the latest restrictions will be shelved temporarily while the case against a 2023 gun control measure proceeds. That law enacted a statewide waiting period and banned certain standard-capacity ammunition magazines.
They say the first step to solving a problem is admitting there is one.
Well, the Pew Collectors Anonymous is your way of admitting you have a problem buying guns but you have no intentions of solving that problem, because Pew Collectors Anonymous isn’t about solving a problem; it’s about embracing it.
So be sure to hit the link above and grab your Pew Collectors Anonymous T-Shirts, Hats, and Drinkware.
Click below to purchase.