Gun restrictions move a step forward at the Vt. Statehouse

The Vermont House approved new gun restrictions Tuesday night by a vote of 89-54.

Lawmakers spent the afternoon considering amendments that will clarify some exemptions in the bill. The bill,

includes several new, significant restrictions. It raises the legal purchasing age to 21, expands background checks to private sales, bans bump stocks and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

The magazine capacity has drawn some of the most heated debate among opponents. Lawmakers approved an amendment Tuesday that will allow Vermont manufacturers to continue making high-capacity magazines. But the bill will prohibit the importation of them. Colchester Rep. Patrick Brennan says that means shooting competitions won't continue in Vermont, hurting the Vermont economy.

Opponents have been hoping Gov. Phil Scott would come out against the ban but he reiterated Tuesday that he supports it if Vermont businesses are protected. He says limiting capacity size will limit damage in mass shooting situations.

"I think having the capacity of a 30-round clip versus a 10-round clip is drastic. It's three times the size. You can do a lot of damage with that extra size," said Scott, R-Vermont.

"This is an economic hit to Vermont. If anyone in the room thinks that competitions, instructions don't happen in this state and out of staters do not come in and spend money in restaurants and hotels, they're sadly mistaken," said Brennan, R-Colchester.

The bill will now go back to the Senate. The Senate can concur with the House changes or seek a conference committee where House and Senate negotiators will craft a final version.