<P> Gun laws in Vermont regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of Vermont . </P> <P> The state has very few gun control laws, and has among the most permissive laws in the United States regarding the purchase of firearms as well as their open or concealed carry . The state's rural character, along with its strong hunting and outdoor sports traditions, have contributed to the state's permissive gun policies . Gun dealers are required to keep a record of all handgun sales . It is illegal to carry a gun in a school building or bus, or in a courthouse . State law preempts local governments from regulating the possession, ownership, transfer, carrying, registration or licensing of firearms . </P> <P> The State neither issues nor requires a permit to carry a weapon on one's person, openly or concealed . This is known in the U.S. as constitutional carry, since one's "permit" is the United States Constitution . Vermont is the only state where this has always been the case (hence the alternative term Vermont carry). Vermont law does not distinguish between residents and non-residents of the state; both have the same right to carry permit - free while in Vermont . </P> <P> The Vermont Constitution of 1777, dating well before the Bill of Rights to a time when Vermont was an independent republic, guarantees certain freedoms and rights to the citizens: "That the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State--and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power ." The Vermont Supreme Court established the right to carry firearms without a permit in its 1903 State v. Rosenthal decision . </P>

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