West Virginia: Five Pro-Gun Bills Introduced in the State House

The West Virginia House of Delegates had five pro-gun/pro-hunting bills introduced in the past week.  The following bills are companion bills that have already been introduced in the West Virginia Senate; House Bill 4495, House Bill 4501, House Bill 4502, House Bill 4505 and House Bill 4507.

Delegate Ricky Moye (D-27) is lead sponsor for HB 4495 and HB 4507.  HB 4495, the companion to SB 149, would require local and statewide law enforcement agencies to attempt to return a seized firearm to its lawful and legal owner if available or to sell the firearm at auction for a source of revenue.  Currently, agencies have the ability to destroy these guns immediately.  HB 4507, the House companion to SB 353, would expedite the process of purchasing a firearm for valid concealed carry permit holders by making West Virginia eligible for an exemption from the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  These permit holders have already cleared a background check and HB 4507 would further conform state law to federal law. 

HB 4501, introduced by Delegate Samuel J. Cann, Sr. (D-41), is the House companion of SB 478.  HB 4501 would create an apprentice hunting license that is available to West Virginia residents and non-residents.  The goal of this legislation is to encourage apprentice hunters to go afield while under the supervision of an adult eighteen years of age or older who possesses a valid West Virginia hunting license.  This would allow the “apprentice” to be introduced to hunting without having to take the otherwise required hunter education course.  

Introduced by Delegate Ryan Ferns (D-3), HB 4502, employee/workplace protection, would allow lawful owners of a firearm to transport and store their gun locked in their vehicle while parked on publicly accessible private parking lots statewide.  HB 4502 is the House companion of SB 370.

HB 4505, introduced by Delegate Daniel J. Hall (D-22), would make a clear distinction between hunters and shooters in the field and only require those engaged in hunting to be required to carry a valid hunting license.  SB 144 is the Senate companion for HB 4505.

Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for more updates regarding these issues.