Today, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) signed into law House Bill 2128, which permits individuals with a concealed handgun license to legally store a firearm in their private vehicle on state Capitol grounds. HB 2128, introduced by state Delegate Gary Howell (R-56), passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on February 5, passed unanimously in the state Senate on March 11 and was concurred on in the House on March 12. This legislation takes effect on June 10th of this year.
However, two other important pro-gun bills, Senate Bill 284 and House Bill 2636, are still awaiting the Governor’s signature.
As previously reported, SB 284, introduced by state Senator David Nohe (R-3), would require that a chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) sign an application for the transfer of any item regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) within 30 days if the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving it. By removing any possibility of personal bias and creating a statewide standard, SB 284 would protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the Mountain State. SB 284 passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on March 12 after passing unanimously in the state Senate on February 4.
HB 2636, introduced by state Delegate Michael Folk (R-63), would exempt information contained in a concealed handgun license application from the Freedom of Information Act. This respects all law-abiding concealed carry holders’ right to privacy by closing to the public the list of residents with concealed carry licenses. HB 2636 passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on March 4 and passed unanimously in the state Senate on March 14.
It is critical that you contact Governor Tomblin immediately and encourage him to sign Senate Bill 284 and House Bill 2636 into law, in addition to thanking him for signing House Bill 2128. He only has until April 4th to act on these bills.
Governor Tomblin can be reached by phone at 304-558-2000 and by email here.
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