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Vermont House Judiciary Committee advances H606 amendment after tense debate over Section 3 and NRA language
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee voted to report H606 with amendment draft 3.1 after members traded arguments over a contested Section 3 and the inclusion of language drafted by the National Rifle Association. Several members said the bill improves safety but signaled constitutional concerns and lingering objections.
The House Judiciary Committee voted March 13 to report H606 with amendment draft 3.1 after a lengthy debate in which members raised constitutional concerns about Section 3 and noted the amendment included language provided by the National Rifle Association.
The committee chair opened a straw poll and then accepted a formal motion to report the amended bill. One member thanked the vice chair and the chair for accommodating changes but said she could not support the measure ‘‘with section 3’’ intact, citing what she described as constitutional concerns and frustration that the committee’s input had not been fully reflected. That member also noted the bill contains language ‘‘directly drafted by the NRA’’ and said some colleagues would nonetheless vote for the amendment because of the NRA’s contributions.
Other lawmakers framed the measure as a public‑safety bill and emphasized compromises made during drafting, including removal of several provisions (members said items such as certain industry accountability measures and some safe‑storage provisions were pared back). Supporters argued the amendment aligns parts of Vermont law with federal statutes and tightens specific firearms‑related public‑safety rules.
The clerk conducted a roll call and the committee recorded votes; the chair said Angela agreed to report the bill. The committee then moved on to other business.
Why it matters: Lawmakers described H606 as aimed at addressing firearms‑related public safety while acknowledging the bill no longer contains several provisions some members favored. Opponents who cited Section 3 said they will pursue work with Senate colleagues to resolve constitutional concerns before final passage.
What’s next: The committee reported H606 for further consideration; committee members said any lingering legal issues could be addressed with the Senate Judiciary Committee and through subsequent drafting.
