Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin wants to improve the ability of law enforcement to take and store firearms belonging to alleged perpetrators of domestic violence.
People who are subject to relief-from-abuse orders are required not to possess firearms, which Shumlin calls an important safeguard when emotions are running high.
Now Shumlin wants legislation to provide Vermont sheriffs the resources, including space, to store weapons belonging to people subject to such orders.
The measure Shumlin is promoting would set up a $75,000 fund to help establish such facilities. It would also levy a fee on people whose weapons are stored to replenish that fund.
Shumlin and other backers say the need for such a step is evidenced by a recent spate of domestic violence crimes.
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