West Virginia: Pro-Gun Bills Advance from Committees

Today, the House Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 458, to ensure that Second Amendment rights remain protected during a state of emergency. It now advances to the House floor for further consideration. On Friday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 2793, to create a nonresident concealed carry permit. HB 2793 has been scheduled for a Senate floor vote this Wednesday, April 7^th.

Please contact your state delegate and ask them to SUPPORT SB 458.

Please contact your state senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 2793.

Senate Bill 458 prohibits the state, government officials and agencies, or local governments, from restricting the lawful carrying, sale, or use of firearms and ammunition during states of emergency. The prohibition also prevents them from closing gun stores and shooting ranges, unless that restriction applies equally to all businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many anti-gun officials around the country, at both state and local levels of government, took the opportunity to unilaterally suspend Second Amendment rights by shutting down gun stores and ranges. This bill protects the exercise of a constitutional right from such politically motivated attacks and ensures that citizens have those rights when they need them most. 

House Bill 2793 creates the option of a nonresident West Virginia concealed carry permit. This allows nonresidents to apply to take advantage of West Virginia’s comprehensive reciprocity agreements with other states.  

Again, please contact your lawmakers and ask them to SUPPORT SB 458 and HB 2793.