Senate text would restrict firearm possession and transfers in Vermont

A person would be barred from knowingly possessing a firearm on premises licensed to serve alcohol. The rule would apply at premises where alcohol is licensed to be served. The rule would not cover specified tasting, outside-consumption, limited-event, special-event, and dining-car settings. Exceptions would cover certain law enforcement officers and government workers acting in their duties, military members on duty under orders, and an eligible license holder for the premises. The printing says the act would take effect on passage.

A person with a conviction for a crime defined as violent would be barred from possessing a firearm. The definition covers specified crimes, including child sexual exploitation and certain drug offenses. The rule would not apply to a person exempt from federal firearm restrictions under the cited federal law. The definition includes specified Vermont crimes and some comparable out-of-state convictions, while excluding several listed offenses. The printing says the act would take effect on passage.

A person would have to wait to transfer a firearm until 72 hours after the dealer receives a NICS identification number or seven business days after the dealer starts the background check, whichever comes first. The waiting rule would apply to transfers facilitated by a licensed dealer. For a mailed firearm, the wait could start when the order is placed only if the buyer gives the dealer a receipt and verified tracking information showing the purchase and mailing dates. Transfers that do not require a background check under the cited laws are excluded. The printing says the act would take effect on passage.

The Court Administrator would report a person's identifying information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System within 48 hours after a qualifying court finding. The duty would apply after a court finds that a person needs treatment or further treatment under the cited Vermont law. The report would include only enough information to identify the person, the reason for the report, and a statement that it is made under the cited federal law. The report would be due within 48 hours of the court finding.