West Virginia: Pro-Gun Bills Pending with Less than Two Weeks Left in the 2013 Legislative Session

With less than two weeks left in the 2013 legislative session, several pro-gun bills are still pending in the West Virginia Legislature.  Your immediate action is needed to ensure their swift passage!

Yesterday, Senate Bill 369, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-16), passed unanimously in the state Senate.  SB 369 would increase the number of states that recognize a West Virginia Concealed Pistol/Revolver Permit and allow residents of another state, who hold a valid out-of-state permit or license, to carry in West Virginia.  This bill will now move to the state House where it will be assigned to a committee.

Please contact your state Delegate(s) and encourage him or her or them to support SB 369, an important pro-gun reform.

House Bill 2471, important emergency powers protection legislation, will be heard by the Senate Government Organization Committee tomorrow.  Sponsored by House Speaker Rick Thompson (D-19), HB 2471 seeks to prohibit the restriction of the lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage or display of a firearm or ammunition during any declared state of emergency.  On February 22, the West Virginia House of Delegates voted unanimously to pass HB 2471.

HB 2471 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.

Please contact members of the Senate Government Organization Committee and encourage them to support HB 2471, legislation critical to your right to self-defense, tomorrow.

House Bill 2431, sponsored by Delegate Rupie Phillips (D-24), is currently awaiting a final vote on the House floor.  HB 2431 would amend the application process for a Concealed Pistol/Revolver Permit, making West Virginia permit holders eligible for exemption from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  Such carry permit holders have already cleared a background check.  HB 2431 would further conform state law to federal law and lead to greater reciprocity for permit holders throughout the United States.

Please contact your state Delegate(s) and urge him or her to support HB 2431 to remove burdensome and unnecessary requirements on law-abiding citizens.