West Virginia: Pro-Gun Bills on the Move

[Charlie T Waite]

Both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature have a committee hearing tomorrow for bills that improve Second Amendment rights. The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing Senate Bill 458, to protect Second Amendment rights during emergencies, and the House Finance Committee is hearing House Bill 2793, to establish a nonresident carry permit.  

Please click the “Take Action” button below to ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to SUPPORT SB 458.

Please click the “Take Action” button below to ask the House Finance Committee to SUPPORT HB 2793.

Senate Bill 458 prohibits the state, government officials and agencies, or local governments from restricting the lawful carrying, sale, or use of firearms and ammunition during states of emergencies. The prohibition also prevents them from closing gun stores and shooting ranges, unless that restriction applies equally to all businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many anti-gun officials around the country, at both state and local levels of government, took the opportunity to unilaterally suspend Second Amendment rights by shutting down gun stores and ranges. This bill protects the exercise of a constitutional right from such politically motivated attacks and ensures that citizens have those rights when they need them most. 

House Bill 2793 creates the option of a nonresident West Virginia concealed carry permit. This allows nonresidents to apply to take advantage of West Virginia’s comprehensive reciprocity agreements with other states.  

Again, please click the buttons above to ask committee members to SUPPORT SB 458 and HB 2793.