Vermont Sportsman's Clubs address Waterbury firearm discharge issues with new bill proposal
February 26, 2025 | Judiciary, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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In a recent meeting of the Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary, representatives gathered to discuss a proposed bill aimed at addressing firearm-related issues in municipalities, particularly in Waterbury. The atmosphere was charged with concern as the committee heard from various stakeholders, including the Vermont Federation of Sportsman's Clubs, which represents around 14,000 members across 50 game clubs in the state.
The discussion was sparked by troubling incidents in Waterbury, where two homes had reportedly been taken over by drug dealers, leading to gunfire in close proximity to a daycare. This alarming situation raised questions about local law enforcement's ability to respond effectively, especially after Waterbury disbanded its police force in 2018, opting instead to contract with the Vermont State Police for coverage.
A representative from the Federation highlighted the absence of a noise ordinance in Waterbury, contrasting it with his own town of Northfield, which has successfully implemented such regulations for over two decades. He argued that a similar ordinance could have provided law enforcement with the necessary tools to address the disturbances in Waterbury, suggesting that local governance already holds the power to manage these issues without the need for broader state intervention.
The representative expressed concerns about the expansive nature of the proposed bill, suggesting that it might overreach and complicate existing local regulations. He emphasized that municipalities in Vermont, including Waterbury, have the authority to tackle these problems at a local level, and that the current situation may have improved as the problematic individuals have either moved away or been dealt with.
As the committee continues to deliberate, the discussions reflect a broader debate about the balance of power between state and local governance, particularly in matters concerning public safety and firearm regulations. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for how Vermont communities manage similar challenges in the future.
The discussion was sparked by troubling incidents in Waterbury, where two homes had reportedly been taken over by drug dealers, leading to gunfire in close proximity to a daycare. This alarming situation raised questions about local law enforcement's ability to respond effectively, especially after Waterbury disbanded its police force in 2018, opting instead to contract with the Vermont State Police for coverage.
A representative from the Federation highlighted the absence of a noise ordinance in Waterbury, contrasting it with his own town of Northfield, which has successfully implemented such regulations for over two decades. He argued that a similar ordinance could have provided law enforcement with the necessary tools to address the disturbances in Waterbury, suggesting that local governance already holds the power to manage these issues without the need for broader state intervention.
The representative expressed concerns about the expansive nature of the proposed bill, suggesting that it might overreach and complicate existing local regulations. He emphasized that municipalities in Vermont, including Waterbury, have the authority to tackle these problems at a local level, and that the current situation may have improved as the problematic individuals have either moved away or been dealt with.
As the committee continues to deliberate, the discussions reflect a broader debate about the balance of power between state and local governance, particularly in matters concerning public safety and firearm regulations. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for how Vermont communities manage similar challenges in the future.
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