West Virginia: Governor Tomblin Signs Senate Bill 284

Today, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) signed Senate Bill 284 into law.  Introduced by state Senator David Nohe (R-3), SB 284 requires 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 protects 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.

Despite having the permitless carry bill, Senate Bill 347, vetoed by the Governor, the 2015 legislative session was still a great success for Second Amendment supporters.  Three NRA priority bills, House Bill 2128, House Bill 2636 and Senate Bill 284 have all been signed by Governor Tomblin and will take effect later this year.

As previously reported, HB 2128, introduced by state Delegate Gary Howell (R-56), permits individuals with a concealed handgun license to legally store a firearm in their private vehicle on state Capitol grounds.  HB 2128 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.  Governor Tomblin signed HB 2128 on March 31 and it will take effect on June 10, 2015.

HB 2636, introduced by state Delegate Michael Folk (R-63), exempts 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.  Governor Tomblin signed HB 2636 on April 1 and it will take effect on June 12, 2105.

Thank you to all members who contacted their legislators and Governor Tomblin on behalf of these bills.  This successful session would not have been possible without your active support.