Gov. Tomblin Signs NRA-Backed Bill Expanding Gun Rights

S.B. 317 Brings Uniformity to Gun Laws

Fairfax, Va. – Today, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed into law a measure bringing Charleston and three other cities in the state into uniformity with the rest of the state’s gun laws. Senate Bill 317 passed the West Virginia House of Delegates by a vote of 92-5 after passing the state Senate unanimously.

Senate Bill 317 would require Charleston, South Charleston, Martinsburg and Dunbar to abandon their restrictive, anti-gun ordinances related to the carrying or selling of firearms. Under this law, West Virginia cities may still prohibit the concealed carrying of firearms in "municipal buildings dedicated to government operations", but not anywhere else.

“This bill will bring uniformity to the confusing patchwork of gun laws around the state,” noted Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action. “This bill will remove confusion and protect the rights of gun owners throughout the state. It is important to have clear and uniform laws upholding our Right to Keep and Bear Arms,” added Cox.

Some of the specific provisions of SB 317 include:

• Removing the “grandfathered” regulations in Charleston and other municipalities that allow a three-day “waiting period” on handguns and the purchase of only one handgun a month (gun rationing).

• Allowing for the storage of firearms in personal vehicles on municipal property when locked out of sight.

 “On behalf of the NRA’s five million members across the country, we would like to thank Governor Tomblin and the bill sponsors, Senator John Unger and Delegate Rupie Phillips, for their hard work in passing this legislation,” concluded Cox.

 -NRA-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.