BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Vermont law prevents cities from passing firearm-limiting legislation by ordinance, so the Queen city will debate a possible charter change barring semi-automatic guns and high-capacity clips within city limits.
Supporters say the move will protect the city if state or federal legislators fail to act in response to the recent school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
Opponents counter that such proposals don't address underlying issues.
If the council signs-off on a change, it will go to residents for a formal vote. State lawmakers will also need to approve the charter change.
The council needs to act by Monday if the measure is to reach residents this March.
Next week, the council will also consider going paper-less for distributing documents between councilors.
