West Virginia: Parking Lot Protection & Campus Carry Pass First Committees

Today, the West Virginia House Education Committee passed campus carry legislation, House Bill 4298. Yesterday, the House Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Committee unanimously passed parking lot protection legislation, House Bill 4187.  Both bills will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.  Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to SUPPORT HB 4187 and HB 4298.  Click the “Take Action” button below to contact committee members.

House Bill 4187, sponsored by Delegate Geoff Foster (R-Putnam), will allow lawful owners of firearms to transport or store their firearms in locked, privately-owned motor vehicles without fear of civil liability, criminal liability or employer retribution.  Throughout the country, many employers and business owners have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace or building to include parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure.  In order to comply with these policies, many law-abiding gun owners must choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and being subject to termination by their employer.  The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because you park your car in a publicly accessible parking lot owned by your employer or a business owner. 

House Bill 4298, sponsored by Delegate Jim Butler (R-Putnam), would allow law-abiding CHL holders to carry on the campus of a state institution of higher education.  Current state law does not prohibit the carrying of a defensive firearm on campus, but institution policy could lead to expulsion or termination of employment.  Adults who are officially licensed to carry a firearm for self-defense off-campus should not be prevented from doing so just because they seek a higher education. 

Again, please click the “Take Action” button to contact committee members to support HB 4187 and HB 4298.