Tomorrow, the full House of Delegates is expected to vote on Senate Bill 347, NRA-backed permitless carry legislation, for second reading. With this important vote it is critical that you contact your state Delegate(s) TODAY and urge them to SUPPORT SB 347. Please also begin calling Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) at 1-888-438-2731 in support of this legislation.
As previously reported, SB 347 is a necessary update to concealed carry statutes in West Virginia and would recognize your right to legally carry concealed without having to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), allowing law-abiding gun owners the ability to better protect themselves and their loved ones. In West Virginia, it is already legal to carry a firearm openly, as long as the individual is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. However, under current law, if a firearm becomes covered by a coat or if a woman prefers to carry a firearm for self-protection in her purse, he or she would need to possess a concealed pistol permit.
The adopted committee substitute changes the age for those who can legally carry from 18 to 21, adds enhanced penalties for felony crimes with a firearm and allows for the recouping of legal fees from unlawful permit denials. This substitute was a combined effort between the NRA, the West Virginia Citizen’s Defense League and the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association to act in good faith to make a better bill for all those involved.
SB 347 gives you the freedom to choose the best method of carrying, based on your attire, gender and/or physical attributes. Also important, this legislation would keep in place the current permitting system so that people who obtain a permit could still enjoy the reciprocity agreements that West Virginia has with other states across the country.
This important pro-gun bill aims to benefit the law-abiding gun owners of West Virginia, and it needs your active support! Please show your legislators and Governor Tomblin the strong support their constituents have for this bill. Contact your Delegate(s) as well as Governor Tomblin today and politely urge them to support Senate Bill 347!
Stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates.
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