MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the Vermont House of Representatives for passing S 169, legislation that would establish a 24-hour waiting period for handgun purchases. This bill would require a 24-hour waiting period between the purchase of a firearm and when the purchaser can actually take possession of that firearm. By delaying immediate access to a firearm, waiting periods insert a buffer between impulse and action. Policies that create this buffer are associated with reduced rates of firearm suicide. The legislation now heads to Governor Scott’s desk.
“This bill can help to spare Vermont families and communities from the pain of having a loved one taken by gun suicide,” said Merry Shernock, a volunteer with the Vermont chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “We’re so grateful our lawmakers recognized the importance of this legislation, and we hope Governor Scott signs this life-saving bill into law.”
Polling released earlier this week, conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of Everytown, indicated that the vast majority of Vermonters — 80 percent — support legislation that would establish a 24-hour waiting period for gun purchases. Additionally, 75 percent of Vermonters support the gun violence prevention legislation that was passed by Vermont lawmakers last year.
