After nearly 10 hours of extensive debate, the Vermont House of Representatives [official website] voted 89-54 [roll call, PDF] on Tuesday to approveS.55 [materials], a piece of major gun legislation. The bill mandates universal background checks, raises the purchasing age to 21, and bans both bump stocks and the sale or possession of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

In Vermont, bills have to get voted on at least twice by each chamber in order to be approved. The bill, which the Senate first approved in March, now moves back to the other chamber for approval of the House’s amendments.

A number of representatives explained their votes. Representative Marcia Gardner [official website], who voted yes, said that “[i]t is time for us to stand and be brave. It is shameful that it has taken our children to lead us here. But, finally, today we have passed legislation that will help keep them safe.

Representative Lynn Batchelor [official website] a no vote, said, “I do not believe that this bill will solve our problems. Safety in our schools is the best solution. We need to make our schools safe not restrict the citizens and infringe on their 2nd amendment rights.”

Representative Maxine Grad [official website] of Moretown explained her yes vote by saying that

S. 55 addresses school and community safety by ensuring guns remain in the hands of those who should have them. In S. 55 we are decreasing the opportunities to obtain firearms for those who intend to harm themselves or others. S. 55 is a vital component of sensible gun safety laws such as extreme risk protection of Vermonters while balancing our public safety with Vermont’s hunting traditions.

Several states have recently introduced new gun legislation in the wake of the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and subsequent protests, including Florida, Illinois and Oregon [JURIST reports].