West Virginia: Emergency Powers Protection Legislation Heads to House Floor, Multiple Pro-Gun Bills Introduced

Yesterday, NRA-supported House Bill 2471, sponsored by House Speaker Rick Thompson (D-19), was reported with a substitute by the House Judiciary Committee by a unanimous voice vote. HB 2471 seeks to prohibit the restriction of the lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage or display of a firearm or ammunition during a declared state of emergency. An amendment, offered by Delegate Eric Householder (R-64), strengthening HB 2471 was adopted in committee by a voice vote and would provide the same protection during a federal state of emergency.

This legislation would protect law-abiding citizens in West Virginia from a violation of their constitutional rights reminiscent of what occurred in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, where law-abiding citizens were stripped of their lawfully owned firearms by overzealous government officials leaving them defenseless and unable to protect their families and property.

House Bill 2471 now goes to the floor of the House of Delegates for its consideration and vote. Please contact your state Delegate and urge him or her to support HB 2471. Please click here to identity your Delegate and their contact information.

The following NRA-supported bills have been recently introduced, and are currently pending action in the House Judiciary Committee:

House Bill 2135 /House Bill 2459, sponsored by Delegate Gary Howell (R-56), allows Concealed Pistol/Revolver License holders to keep loaded firearms in motor vehicles on State Capitol grounds.

House Bill 2465, sponsored by Delegate Rupert Phillips, Jr.(D-24), would strengthen West Virginia’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state.

House Bill 2294, sponsored by Delegate Ryan Ferns (D-3), would allow individuals to transport and store a firearm or ammunition in their privately-owned motor vehicle in public or private parking areas under certain conditions.

House Bill 2390, sponsored by Delegate Scott Cadle (R-13), allows teachers with a Concealed Pistol/Revolver License to carry on school property.

House Bill 2502, sponsored by Delegate Mark Hunt (D-36), prohibits doctor inquiries on the possession, ownership and storage of firearms.