HOUSE SPEAKER MITZI JOHNSON’S STATEMENT ON THE VETO OF THE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION BILL
“I’m deeply disappointed that Governor Scott vetoed the gun violence prevention bill. Had it become law, this public health and safety measure would have prevented impulsive acts of self-harm and violence. Many suicide attempts occur with little planning during a short-term crisis and 90%1 of firearm suicide attempts result in death. Instituting a short waiting period would allow the heated moment to pass and help to prevent the tragedy of suicide.
“Vetoing this compromise bill makes the Governor responsible for ending certain shooting competitions important to sportsmen and sportswomen in Vermont. In addition to curbing impulsive suicides, the House and Senate in S.169 provided responsible gun owners reasonable exemptions to allow scheduled and future shooting competitions to continue. Without this compromise bill, those will not be allowed after July 1. The vetoed bill would have also provided clarity on the transfer of high-capacity ammunition feeding devices and their use by law enforcement. These provisions were important to many responsible Vermont gun owners and shooting competition organizers.
“It is clear that the Governor’s disengaged approach to policy is not working for Vermont or for Vermonters. I hope to see him engage with lawmakers as legislation is developed next session.”
1. A. Elnour and J. Harrison, “Lethality of Suicide Methods,” Inj Prev 14 (2008): 39-45, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245314