Gun Owners of Vermont: Vermont and Other State Statutes
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The Vermont Statutes Online Title 24 : Municipal And County Government Chapter 005 : County Officers; Powers And Duties Subchapter 005 : Sheriffs § 300. May require assistance If a sheriff requests legal assistance in executing his/her duty, you must provide said assistance.	(Sheriffs) May require assistance
Title 24 : Municipal And County Government Chapter 061 : Regulatory Provisions; Police Power Of Municipalities Subchapter 011 : Miscellaneous Regulatory Powers § 2295. Authority of municipal and county governments to regulate firearms, ammunition, hunting, fishing, and trapping	24 V.S.A. § 2295 (The Sportsman's Bill of Rights)
The Vermont Statutes Online Title 13 : Crimes And Criminal Procedure Chapter 053 : Homicide § 2305. Justifiable homicide	Title 13 : Chapter 053 § 2305. Justifiable homicide
VERMONT STATUTES: Title 13 : Crimes And Criminal Procedure Chapter 019 : Breach Of The Peace; Disturbances Subchapter 004 : Other Disturbances Of The Peace (Cite as: 13 V.S.A. § 1026a) § 1026a. Aggravated disorderly conduct	13 V.S.A. § 1026a - Aggravated disorderly conduct
09/18/20: Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions CR22-126: RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT (FIREARM) – 13 V.S.A. § 1025	RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT (FIREARM) – 13 V.S.A. § 1025
13 V.S.A. § 1025 Recklessly endangering another person	Recklessly endangering another person
VERMONT STATUTES: Title 13 : Crimes And Criminal Procedure Chapter 019 : Breach Of The Peace; Disturbances Subchapter 004: Other Disturbances Of The Peace § 1024. Aggravated assault	Title 13 : Crimes And Criminal Procedure § 1024. Aggravated assault
VERMONT STATUTES: 10 VSA § 5227 Sport shooting ranges; municipal and state authority (where suppressors are LEGAL to use in Vermont)	Where suppressors are LEGAL to use in Vermont
Self Defense - CR07-101. Self Defense (11/09/07) - CR07-091. The Aggressor and Self-Defense (06/16/03) - CR07-111. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense (07/26/19) - CR07-121. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense and in Defense of Another (06/18/03)	Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions
The Law of Self Defense - Ever want to know what juries in Vermont are told to look for in self defense cases? Read on.	Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense and in Defense of Another (06/18/03)
The Law of Self Defense - Ever want to know what juries in Vermont are told to look for in self defense cases? Read on.	Vermont Jury Instructions BR>VT CR07-111. SELF-DEFENSE (USE OF DEADLY FORCE)
The Law of Self Defense - Ever want to know what juries in Vermont are told to look for in self defense cases? Read on.	Self Defense (11/09/07)
The Law of Self Defense - Ever want to know what juries in Vermont are told to look for in self defense cases? Read on.	The Aggressor and Self-Defense (06/16/03)
The Vermont Statutes Online DIRECT text SEARCH to ALL Vermont Statutes!	The Vermont Statutes Direct Search
The Vermont Statutes Online Hyperlinked text to ALL Vermont Statutes.	The Vermont Statutes Online
12/15/2022: I Told You Vermont Was Coming for Your Guns … by Steve MacDonald	I Told You Vermont Was Coming for Your Guns
11/13/2022: Vermont has its highest homicide rate in three decades – Democrat rule will do that	Vermont highest homicide rate in three decades
1/20/2022: Vermont House Committee on the Judiciary: GoVT Testimony Against S.30 by Eric Davis.	GoVT Testimony Against S.30 by Eric Davis.
1/20/2022: Gun rights proponent to lawmakers: Gun control bill leaves patients in hospital unprotected	Gun rights proponent to lawmakers: Gun control bill leaves patients in hospital unprotected
11/21/2021: "Faced with vaccine failures, Vermont’s governor has a silly proposal" By John Klar	Phil Scott attacks Dillan's Rule in Vermont
8/10/2021: McClaughry: Vermont implications after 18-year-old wins gun rights ruling	McClaughry: Vermont implications after 18-year-old wins gun rights ruling
7/1/2021: Eric Davis: Vermont bound by ‘Dillon’s rule’	Eric Davis: Vermont bound by ‘Dillon’s rule’
5/24/21: "Two gun-control bills will carry over to next legislative session, while 2A ‘sanctuaries’ hold promise for gun owners" by Michael Bielawski	Two gun-control bills will carry over to next legislative session, while 2A ‘sanctuaries’ hold promise for gun owners
5/24/2021: Firearm safety proposal stumbles in Mendon	Firearm safety proposal stumbles in Mendon
5/19/2021: Vermont House to ‘hit pause’ until 2022 on legislation banning guns from hospitals One of the most controverial, and unneccessary anti-rights bill in years is put on hold until next year…	Vermont House to ‘hit pause’ until 2022 on legislation banning guns from hospitals
5/17/2021: Justifiable homicide diluted? By Guy Page	Justifiable homicide diluted?
4/13/2021: New Gun Rights Decision: State of Vermont v. Misch	New Gun Rights Decision: State of Vermont v. Misch
2/25/2021: OPINION: Saddened by the Vermont Supreme Court’s decision by Collin Demars	Saddened by the Vermont Supreme Court’s decision
12/9/2020: Judge Says Demand For Rifle Was Unconstitutional Case Reveals Limits Of Law Over Loaded Guns In Vehicles During Hunting Season	Judge Says Demand For Rifle Was Unconstitutional
"FIREARMS LAW 101" "A Continuing Legal Education Program of the Vermont Bar Association" by Attorney Cindy Hill	"FIREARMS LAW 101"
"How a Bill Becomes Law"	"How a Bill Becomes Law"
ATF's Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD): "Curios or Relics List — January 1972 through April 2018"	"Curios or Relics List — January 1972 through April 2018"
12/26/18: VPR "State Says It Won't Be Able To Run Background Checks For Gun Sales" SEE what we said? The STATE wants to keep the REGISTRY OF GUN OWNERS!	"State Says It Won't Be Able To Run Background Checks For Gun Sales"
9/9/18: "Law allowing seizure of firearms from suspected abusers takes effect" H.422 takes effect.	"Law allowing seizure of firearms from suspected abusers takes effect"
7/17/18: CATO Institute: " Legal Policy Bulletin No. 3 Losing Count: The Empty Case for “High-Capacity” Magazine Restrictions"	" Losing Count: The Empty Case for “High-Capacity” Magazine Restrictions"
7/10/18: WCAX "Vermont AG seeks to dismiss lawsuit over gun magazine law"	"Vermont AG seeks to dismiss lawsuit over gun magazine law"
7/10/18: VTDigger "State’s legal team urges judge to throw out gun magazine limit lawsuit"	"State’s legal team urges judge to throw out gun magazine limit lawsuit"
5/24/18: VTDigger "Coyote hunting contests banned in Vermont" Again, Phil Scott folds under anti-gunner pressure.	"Coyote hunting contests banned in Vermont"
5/7/18: VTDigger "Supreme Court upholds probation violation for possessing gun" How the anti-gun justice system disarms Vermonters one at a time.	"Supreme Court upholds probation violation for possessing gun"
5/2/18: Williston Observer "Gun advocates challenge new law’s constitutionality" S.55 lawsuit	"Gun advocates challenge new law’s constitutionality"
4/30/18: "Guns in Early Vermont" by John McClaughry	"Guns in Early Vermont" by John McClaughry
4/26/18: Tdigger "New definition of criminal attempt voted out by House panel"	"New definition of criminal attempt voted out by House panel"
4/20/18: True North OPINION "Vermont’s ‘taking game’ and universal background checks" By John Klar	"Vermont’s ‘taking game’ and universal background checks" By John Klar
4/20/18: VPR "Challengers Of High-Capacity Magazine Ban Look To 1777 To Strengthen Their Case"	"Challengers Of High-Capacity Magazine Ban Look To 1777 To Strengthen Their Case"
4/19/18: Valley News "Gun Clubs Sue Vt. Over Restrictions"	"Gun Clubs Sue Vt. Over Restrictions"
4/18/18: VTDigger "UPDATED: Gun clubs, businesses sue state over magazine limit"	"UPDATED: Gun clubs, businesses sue state over magazine limit"
4/18/18: Brattleboro Reformer OPINION "Letter: Governor and legislators committed perjury" by James Lanese	"Letter: Governor and legislators committed perjury" by James Lanese
VIDEO: "Real VT News: Gun Control 1"	VIDEO: "Real VT News: Gun Control 1"
4/11/18: VTDigger "UPDATED: Scott hears calls of betrayal and thanks as he signs gun bills"	"UPDATED: Scott hears calls of betrayal and thanks as he signs gun bills"
"Margolis: Gun bill signing was a political winner for Scott"	"Margolis: Gun bill signing was a political winner for Scott"
4/9/18: VTDigger "Gun rights supporters take aim at Gov. Phil Scott"	"Gun rights supporters take aim at Gov. Phil Scott"
"Scott to sign gun bills this week as gun rights groups seethe"	"Scott to sign gun bills this week as gun rights groups seethe"
3/30/18: VTDigger "In final chapter of gun debate, Senate narrowly passes expansive restrictions" 227 years of Vermont freedom has come to an end. The power, money & influence of Bloomberg has undermined the safest state in th enation.	"In final chapter of gun debate, Senate narrowly passes expansive restrictions"
3/11/18: Valley News "Jim Kenyon: Furlough Program Under Scrutiny"	"Jim Kenyon: Furlough Program Under Scrutiny"
2/9/18: BFP "Report: VT gun law adds 589 people to background check list" See the fallout from the 2015 bill S.141. In committee, we were told AT MOST 200 Vermonters would be effected. See how fast that number TRIPLED!!! Wilda White, executive director of Vermont Psychiatric Survivors, said some Vermonters were surprised and confused when they received letters stating they had been added to the national database. "People are not being appraised of the ramifications of stipulating to this sort of non-hospitalization," White said. "I don't think people would ever imagine that they're going to be reported to a national database as a result of it."	"Report: VT gun law adds 589 people to background check list"
2/5/18: WPTZ "Marijuana legalization adds conflict for Vermont gun owners" "Owning a gun or using marijuana: it's a decision some Vermonters will have to make."	"Marijuana legalization adds conflict for Vermont gun owners"
2/2/18: Reason "Ban on Guns Near Parks Violates the Second Amendment, Illinois Supreme Court Says" "The state's 1,000-foot rule made accidental felons out of people carrying firearms for self-defense."	"Ban on Guns Near Parks Violates the Second Amendment, Illinois Supreme Court Says"
2/1/15: Burlington Free Press "5 questions, 5 answers about gun rights in Vermont"	"5 questions, 5 answers about gun rights in Vermont"
11/9/17: My Champlain Valley "How Vermont's National Guard handles criminal investigations"	"How Vermont's National Guard handles criminal investigations"
American Gun Owners Alliance LLC Compilation of "Vermont Gun Laws" Saves a lot of time looking up our gun laws	American Gun Owners Alliance LLC Compilation of "Vermont Gun Laws"
"Old Dog, New Trick: Vermont Wields Enhanced Animal Cruelty Law"	"Old Dog, New Trick: Vermont Wields Enhanced Animal Cruelty Law"
6/9/17: NRA-ILA "Vermont Supreme Court Upholds State Range Protection Law" North Country Sportsman's Club v. Town of Williston	"Vermont Supreme Court Upholds State Range Protection Law"
6/7/17: AlienGear Holsters "Vermont Gun Laws On Concealed Carry"	"Vermont Gun Laws On Concealed Carry"
6/3/17 Rutland Herald "Court says regulating gun noise is regulating guns"	"Court says regulating gun noise is regulating guns"
6/2/17: Vermont Supreme Court Decision "North Country Sportsman's Club v. Town of Williston" The town of Williston tried to curtail shooting and was told, "no," by the Supreme Court.	"North Country Sportsman's Club v. Town of Williston"
MAINE: Concealed Handgun Law	MAINE: Concealed Handgun Law
New Hampshire CHAPTER 159 PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS	New Hampshire CHAPTER 159 PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS
2017 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AN ACT repealing the licensing requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver.	New Hampshire Handgun Licensing Repealed
The Official Website of the Massachusetts Judicial Branch Massachusetts Court System "Massachusetts Law about Guns and Other Weapons"	"Massachusetts Law about Guns and Other Weapons"
11/29/2016: VT Digger "Changes to Permanent Hunting / Fishing Licenses Coming in 2017" News Release — Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department	"Changes to Permanent Hunting / Fishing Licenses Coming in 2017"
7/18/2016: Addison County Independent "Petition triggers balloting on Salisbury law limiting gun use" ANOTHER attempt at gun control on the local level. This seems to never end. Vote OUT these local selectmen in Salisbury!	"Petition triggers balloting on Salisbury law limiting gun use"
3/21/2016: VPR "Gun Storage Presents Problem For Vermont Law Enforcement" HERE WE GO AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN… The neverending saga of disposition of a few firearms from police departments. Police Chiefs state in testimony that there is NO problem, we get this. Now that the Burlington Charter Changes are dead, the anti-gun media again picks up the "safe storage" rhetoric.	"Gun Storage Presents Problem For Vermont Law Enforcement"
1/28/2016: WARNING! H.R.11 Rep. Timothy Jerman (TOOK $1,700 OF Gun$en$e Money!) has introduced a bill to circumvent existing law (think of it as an Executive Order to change existing law by going AROUND the law). This resolution will allow the anti-gun legislators to slide the unconstitutional Burlington Charter Changes directly to the floor for a vote, WITHOUT going to Committee to be vetted by legal counsel, hear testimony, or receive public comment!!! This resolution would eliminate the democratic process and allow anti-gun politicians to enact gun control in Vermont without recourse!! This piece of legislation will allow the Pandora's Box of "patchwork" laws across the state as each town will b able to regulate WHATEVER they want without committee scrutiny! Imagine hundreds of towns banning & regulating different things like firearms, gasoline-powered cars, gay marriage, blue paint, pets, etc. Drive up I91 or I89 and violate 40 different city ordinances without knowing...	1/28/2016: H.R.11 (bill to circumvent existing law) and force the unconstitutional Burlington Charter Changes directly to the floor for a vote, WITHOUT going to Committee to be vetted by legal counsel, hear testimony, or receive public comment!
Vermont Statutes Unannotated and Vermont Court Rules on LexisNexis Searchable database of Vermont law and Court Rules.	Vermont Statutes Unannotated and Vermont Court Rules on LexisNexis
2016: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY DETAILS: Maine Statutes - Title 25	Maine Statutes - Title 25
2016: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY DETAILS: SAFER Maine, Statewide Access to Firearms Education & Resources, a service of Gun Owners of Maine. This the SAFER Introduction to Basic Handgun Safety & Concealed Carry course.	This the SAFER Introduction to Basic Handgun Safety & Concealed Carry course.
IMPORTANT CARRY NOTE for MAINE VISITORS: Duty to INFORM Law Enforcement An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit Sec. 4. 25 MRSA §2003-A is enacted to read: §2003-A. Duty to inform law enforcement When an individual who is carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to the authority of this chapter and who does not have a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun that has been issued as provided in this chapter first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer of this State or its political subdivisions or a federal law enforcement officer during the course of any arrest, detainment or routine traffic stop, that individual shall immediately inform that law enforcement officer of the fact that the individual is carrying a concealed handgun.	MAINE - IMPORTANT CARRY NOTE: Duty to inform law enforcement
SEARCH ALL Vermont Statutes having the word "FIREARM" (or anything else) referenced in them.	SEARCH Vermont Statutes (Insert the word "FIREARM" hit the SEARCH button)
Town Ordinance: COLCHESTER Discharge Zones	Town Ordinance: COLCHESTER
2015: The Nature Conservancy - Vermont Hunting Guidelines (article) "Many of Vermont's conserved lands offer hunting and fishing opportunities." "54 of our Natural Areas are Open for Hunting, All 55 Open for Fishing"	2015: The Nature Conservancy - Vermont Hunting Guidelines (article)
12/5/2015: Burlington Charter Changes – The Next Assault on VT Law by Bob DePino. See how the anti-gun politicians will stop at nothing, even breaking the law, in order to restrict the rights of lawful citizens!	Burlington Charter Changes – The Next Assault on VT Law
10/29/2015: Williston Observer - "Judge rules in favor of gun club"	"Judge rules in favor of gun club"
10/16/2015: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW Carrying of open or concealed firearms WITHOUT a permit goes into effect on 10/16/2015. See the link for the new law. Please note the most important part of NOTIFYING LAW ENFORCEMENT if you are stopped for anything!	10/16/2015: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW
MAINE: COMPLETE Concealed Handgun Laws	MAINE: COMPLETE Concealed Handgun Laws
9/21/15: Killington Passes Firearm Discharge Ordinance	Killington Passes Firearm Discharge Ordinance
July 2015: Act 61 signed legalizing suppressors in Vermont!	Act 61 details
Jun 30, 2015: VPR.net New Deer Hunting Rules For 2016	ARTICLE: New Deer Hunting Rules For 2016
Apr 28, 2015: Expungement in Vermont: What Firearms Owners Should Know by Cindy Hill, Esq.	Expungement in Vermont: What Firearms Owners Should Know
VERMONT LAW: Vermont Statutes: Title 13: Crimes And Criminal Procedure Chapter 85: Weapons	Chapter 85: Weapons
VERMONT LAW: Vermont Attorney General's Office SELECTED VERMONT LAWS GOVERNING THE USE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS	SELECTED VERMONT LAWS GOVERNING THE USE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Because we get lots of questions about carrying firearms in new Hampshire, here is the OFFICIAL New Hampshire Permits and Licensing Unit (Pistol and Revolver Licensing) FAQ Page	New Hampshire Permits and Licensing Unit (Pistol and Revolver Licensing) FAQ Page
"VT CR07-111. SELF-DEFENSE (USE OF DEADLY FORCE)"	"VT CR07-111. SELF-DEFENSE (USE OF DEADLY FORCE)"
6/13/14: Bennington Banner "Vt. high court rules for fourth time on Hale Mountain dispute"	"Vt. high court rules for fourth time on Hale Mountain dispute"
2014: Bureau of Justice Assistance "State Criminal Justice Profile: VERMONT" This short, 4 page document shows that Vermont and the Federal Government is indeed FUNDING & supporting Vermont's law enforcement officers, contrary to the pining of the anti-gunners. The report includes the the feds provided OVER $1.5 MILLION in fiscal year 2013 ALONE! TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF VERMONT'S Recidivism Rate of 50.0%!!! Top Offenses: Burglary (males); simple assault (females) (FY 2013)	2013 BJA - State Criminal Justice Profile: VERMONT
7/30/2013: Atty Cindy Hill PLLC, "Self Defense Laws" article. Coverage of "Castle Doctrine", "Stand-Your-Ground", "Duty-to-Retreat", and the "Rule of First Aggression" explained in detail.	Self Defense Laws (from an attorney's viewpoint)
5/16/2013: WCAX - "Confusion over the legality of exploding targets in Vt." It appears that the UNMIXED Tannerite is LEGAL, mixing and using apparently requires a PERMIT under Vermont law, as it is concidered a "firework". Obtaining a permit to use would be a very good idea if you want to use this stuff.	"Confusion over the legality of exploding targets in Vt."
5/8/2015: WCAX - "Vt. towns battle explosive that's legal to buy"	"Vt. towns battle explosive that's legal to buy"
11/26/2008: WCAX "When is Deadly Force Justified?"	"When is Deadly Force Justified?"
11/9/07: "Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions" "CR07-111. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense"	"CR07-111. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense"
11/9/07: "Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions" "Self-defense is measured against the act of the crime. The use of deadly force requires greater justification than the use of a lesser force. " "The committee notes that “defense of another” provides justification for a homicide only if the necessary relationship exists. See 13 V.S.A. § 2305(1)." Self Defense CR07-101. Self Defense (11/09/07) CR07-091. The Aggressor and Self-Defense (06/16/03) CR07-111. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense (11/09/07) CR07-121. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense and in Defense of Another (06/18/03)	"Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions"
Jun 18, 2003: VT Case Law: Defense of Property	Defense of Property (Information)
6/18/18: "Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions" "CR07-121. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense and in Defense of Another "	"CR07-121. Use of Deadly Force in Self Defense and in Defense of Another "
6/16/03: "Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions" "CR07-091. The Aggressor and Self-Defense"	"Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions" CR07-091. The Aggressor and Self-Defense
CR04-151. Burden of Proof on Self-Defense (06/09/03). “Once evidence raising the issue of self-defense appears in the case, the burden is on the State to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that appellant’s actions were not in self-defense.” State v. Bartlett, 136 Vt. 142, 144 (1978) (assault context). In a homicide case, the State’s burden of proving that the killing was unlawful may also require proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense. State v. Rounds, 104 Vt. 442, 450-51 (1932).	CR04-151. Burden of Proof on Self-Defense
ANTI-GUN "The Accessibility of Firearms and Risk for Suicide and Homicide Victimization Among Household Members: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis"	ANTI-GUN "The Accessibility of Firearms and Risk for Suicide and Homicide Victimization Among Household Members: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis"
2015: NEW HAMPSHIRE Gun Laws Because we are frequently asked about carrying firearms in New Hampshire, here is a good reference. Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Gun Law by Evan F. Nappen, Attorney at Law.	Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Gun Law
5/15/1995: ESSEX, Maps of Essex's "Firearms Area of Prohibition"	1995: ESSEX, "Firearms Area of Prohibition" Maps
May 15, 1995: "Essex Firearms Area of Prohibition"	"Essex Firearms Area of Prohibition"
The Vermont Statutes Online Title 20: Internal Security And Public Safety Chapter 177: Explosives And Fireworks State Statute regarding TANNERITE, it is concidered a firework.	"The Vermont Statutes Online Title 20: Internal Security And Public Safety Chapter 177: Explosives And Fireworks"
7/25/1969: State of Vermont enacts first gun control law H.272 (Act 108) addressing out-of-state purchasing of firearms. Now Senator, Patrick Leahy, offers a long history of anti-gun legislation starting in 1968: "I feel that we cannot allow our concealed weapon statute to remain the same as it is." (see link in archives in the sentance "Chittenden County State's Attorney Patrick Leahy covered various types of permitting in his testimony to the committee."	State of Vermont enacts first gun control law H.272 (Act 108) addressing out-of-state purchasing of firearms. Patrick Leahy shows his anti-gun colors in 1968!
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