Staff report
Unauthorized military training is officially banned in Vermont after Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law on Monday, May 8.
The law specifically prohibits teaching techniques intended to cause injury or death. It also bans making a firearm or explosive device capable of causing injury or death.
The law went into effect immediately. It was passed in part due to the controversy atSlate Ridge gun range in West Pawlet. Gun range/paramilitary training camp owner Daniel Banyai has been in an ongoing standoff with the town in environmental court.
In February, a judge ordered Banyai to dismantle all structures on the property. That deadline was recently extended to June 23. Violators could face up to five years in prison and fines up to $50,000.
