Yesterday, a bill which would legalize the private ownership of suppressors in Vermont passed the House of Representatives. Chairman David Deen (D-Windham) of the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources successfully offered an amendment to include language from Rep. Patrick Brennan’s (R-Chittenden) H. 210 in an economic development bill, S. 138. H. 210, which passed Chairman Deen’s Committee last week, seeks to end the 103 year prohibition on suppressors in the Green Mountain State. After the amendment was accepted, S. 138 passed the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan 141 – 2 margin.

The omnibus package has now moved to the Senate, where it will be placed in a Committee of Conference. If the language is able to stay in, and the bill is able to pass, Vermont will become the 40th state to allow private ownership of suppressors.

There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:

HEARING PROTECTION : Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 – 35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world. NOISE COMPLAINTS : As urban developments advance into rural areas, shooting ranges and hunting preserves across the country are being closed due to noise complaints. Although it can still be heard, suppressed gunfire helps mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting land. ACCURACY : Suppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.

The American Suppressor Association is working hard to ensure that this bill becomes law, and we are very excited about the prospect of bringing suppressor ownership to Vermont. However, we need your help. Please call and email members of the Committee of Conference and politely ask for their support of the legalization of suppressors through S. 138.

Sen. Kevin Mullin (R-Rutland): (802) 353-6770 [email protected]

Senator John Campbell (D-Windsor): (802) 295-6238 [email protected]

Senator Becca Balint (D-Windham): [email protected]

Rep. William Botzow (D-Bennington): (802) 447-7717 [email protected]

Rep. Michael Marcotte (R-Orleans): (802) 334-6302 [email protected]

Rep. Samuel Young (D-Orleans-Caledonia): (802) 321-0365 [email protected]

All Senators: http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/all/2016/Senate