West Virginia Permitless Carry Legislation Passes Senate with Bipartisan Support

Today, Monday, February 22, House Bill 4145, NRA-endorsed legislation that would allow an individual to lawfully carry a concealed handgun without a permit, passed the state Senate with a bipartisan 24-9 vote. HB 4145 will now be sent back to the House of Delegates for a concurrence vote. Please contact your Delegate immediately and politely urge them to concur with the amended Senate version of House Bill 4145. Click the “Take Action” button below to contact your Delegate!

As previously reported, this legislation will recognize a law-abiding adult’s unconditional Right to Keep and Bear Arms for self-defense in the manner he or she chooses.  HB 4145, sponsored by Delegate Saira Blair (R-Berkeley), recognizes that self-defense situations are difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate.  Accordingly, a law-abiding adult’s right to defend himself or herself in such situations should not be conditioned by government-mandated time delays and taxes.  HB 4145 also creates a new provisional concealed weapon licensing process by which law-abiding, trained 18-21 year olds may exercise their fundamental right to self-defense.  It is already lawful to open carry a firearm in the state of West Virginia without government-mandated permitting, training and taxes.  West Virginians should not be penalized for the method they feel most comfortable defending themselves.  

Unfortunately, out-of-state billionaire and former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has once-again launched a misinformation campaign in an attempt to persuade your elected officials to oppose HB 4145.  It is imperative that you contact your Delegate to set the record straight on permitless/constitutional carry.

• HB 4145 will NOT allow violent criminals, drug dealers and convicted felons to lawfully carry concealed weapons in West Virginia.
• Statistics indicate that HB 4145 will NOT lead to an increase in firearm accidents and misuse.
• HB 4145 will NOT eliminate West Virginia’s current concealed weapon licensing system, nor will it jeopardize the benefits of obtaining a concealed weapon license.

Time is crucial. Please click the “Take Action” button above to contact your Delegate today!