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Vermont bans paramilitary training camps
Vermont passed legislation making it illegal to own or operate paramilitary training camps in the state. Republican Governor Phil Scott signed legislation into law in response to a firearms training facility that was built without permits, which neighbors called a menace.
According to the new law, violators could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. The law prohibits teaching, training, or demonstrating the use, application, or making of a firearm, explosive, or incendiary device that can cause injury or death and will be used in or in furtherance of a civil disorder. It also bans assembling with others for such training, instruction, or practice.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vermont?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vermont</a> on Monday made it a crime to own or operate paramilitary training camps in the state after Gov. Phil Scott signed legislation introduced in response to a firearms training facility built without permits that neighbors called a menace.<a href="https://t.co/0njIlPQhmY">https://t.co/0njIlPQhmY</a></p>— Duane Morris Government Strategies (@DMGSLLC) <a href="https://twitter.com/DMGSLLC/status/1656993190262579204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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A gun violence prevention group led by former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona praised Vermont's law, stating that it will reduce the spread of dangerous, illegal, and anti-government firearms intimidation. Vermont is now the 25th state to prohibit firearms training for anti-government paramilitary activity.
The legislation in Vermont has exceptions where it does not apply to authorized law enforcement operations or lawful practices conducted by educational institutions teaching military science. Additionally, it does not apply to self-defense training or practice that does not intend to cause civil disorder, safe firearms handling and instruction, and legal activities such as hunting, target shooting, and firearms collection.
Oregon is considering a bill that would create the country's most comprehensive law against paramilitary activity. In the last ten years, Oregon has had the sixth-highest number of extremist incidents in the country. However, a bill that sought to rein in paramilitary patrols in New Mexico failed this year.
Daniel Banyai, an owner of a firearms training facility in Vermont, has been ordered to remove all structures from his property by summer or face imprisonment and fines exceeding $100,000. The Vermont Environmental Court found him in contempt for disregarding court orders since 2019. Vermont's new law aims to prevent illegal firearms intimidation, and other states are considering similar laws. Violators will face severe consequences, including jail time and hefty fines.
