Proposed West Virginia Firearm Legislation
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Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Reintroduction of legislation applies only to House bills and may occur from odd-numbered to even-numbered years. Legislation does not carryover automatically; the sponsor or cosponsors of a bill or resolution must submit a request for the legislation to carryover. The request must be made to the Clerk of the House no later than ten days before the commencement of the Second Regular Session.
Title: Relating to transferred right of self-defense to a person who engages an active shooter on school grounds
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create the transferred right of self-defense to a person who engages an active shooter on school grounds.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer
Description: The purpose of this bill is to authorize teachers in elementary or secondary schools to carry concealed firearms and be designated as a school protection officer (SPO).
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: February 22, 2024
Title: Allowing the concealed carry of firearms on and in Capitol grounds
Description: The purpose of this bill is to change the West Virginia code to allow concealed carry on and in Capitol grounds.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: To permit retired magistrates to have the ability to carry concealed weapons without paying fee
Description: The purpose of this bill is to exempt retired magistrates from paying application fees in connection with obtaining a concealed carry handgun permit.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Remove sales tax on gun safes and certain firearm safety devices
Description: The purpose of this bill is to exempt sales of tangible personal property to safely store firearms, including, but not limited to, safes and trigger locks from the consumer sales tax.
Last Action: To House Finance
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Right to travel bill
Description: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the emergency powers of the Governor from restricting the ability of West Virginia citizens to enter or exit the State of West Virginia.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Updating the definition of ammunition relating to carry concealed weapons
Description: The purpose of this bill is to add a definition of the term "ammunition" relating to the requirements for obtaining a state permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon pursuant to the provisions of §61-7-4 of this code.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: To allow those who are 18-20 years old to carry a deadly weapon concealed without a permit, as is allowed for those who are 21 or older
Description: The purpose of this bill is to allow those persons 18-20 years of age to be permitted to carry a deadly weapon, as those persons 21 and over are currently permitted to do.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Preserving and protecting the right to keep and bear arms
Description: The purpose of this bill is to define acts which constitute infringements of the right to keep and bear arms, to articulate the constitutional limits on such infringements, to declare all such infringements to be against the rights of the people and to be legally void, and to provide remedies for acts taken under the color of federal law.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination Act
Description: The purpose of this bill is to establish the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Bill to fund armed veterans at our schools.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to allow for county boards of education to employ armed veterans to protect West Virginia schools.
Last Action: To House Education
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Right to keep and bear arms
Description: The purpose of this bill is to make all future federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, laws, orders and rules concerning firearms, firearm accessories, ammunition and their accouterments invalid and unenforceable. The bill makes it a felony to attempt to enforce a federal or local statute, ordinance, law, order or rule concerning firearms, firearm accessories, ammunition and their accouterments that violate the state and federal Constitutions. The bill makes legislative findings. The bill provides criminal penalties. The bill requires the Attorney General to defend citizens of West Virginia who are prosecuted by the United States Government for violation of a federal law relating to the manufacture, sale, transfer or possession of a firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition. The bill provides for retroactivity. The bill provides that ex post facto laws are not created.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Preventing municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to prevent municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses. The bill shall be known as the Second Amendment Business Protection Act.
Last Action: Chapter 268, Acts, Regular Session, 2024
Last Action Date: April 22, 2024
Title: To provide an optional pop up window to sign up for NRA or USCCA firearms safety classes when purchasing a hunting or fishing license online.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create a "pop-up" window directing users to optional firearms safety classes offered by the NRA and the USCCA.
Last Action: To House Agriculture and Natural Resources
Last Action Date: January 18, 2024
Title: To codify the USCCA to provide concealed carry classes in West Virginia.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to codify the USCCA to provide concealed carry classes in West Virginia.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 18, 2024
Title: Gun carry allowed on college campuses
Description: The purpose of this bill is to permit the carrying of concealed weapons on the campus of a state institution of higher education by individuals who have been issued state licenses to carry concealed deadly weapons pursuant to W.Va. Code §61-7-4.
Last Action: To House Education
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024
Title: Clarifying that there is no restriction on the lawful carrying of a deadly weapon, firearm or pepper spray specifically on sidewalks and streets directly bordering and surrounding the State Capitol Complex grounds.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to clarify that it is legal to carry a deadly weapon, firearm, or pepper spray specifically on the sidewalks and streets that directly border and surround the State Capitol Complex grounds.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 23, 2024
Title: Adopting the Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination Act.
Description: The purpose of this bill relates to the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act; to establish a short title; define terms; establish application of act to certain government contracts; provide exceptions; and provide the Attorney General the authority to review contracts for compliance with the Act.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 23, 2024
Title: To allow those who are 18-20 years old to carry a deadly weapon concealed without a permit and to add a definition of the term “ammunition” relating to the requirements for obtaining a state permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to add a definition of the term "ammunition" relating to the requirements for obtaining a state permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon pursuant to the provisions of §61-7-4 of this code. The bill allows those persons 18-20 years of age to be permitted to carry a deadly weapon, as those persons 21 and over are currently permitted to do.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 25, 2024
Title: The Business Liability Protection Act
Description: The purpose of this bill is to update the Business Liability Protection Act.
Last Action: Chapter 269, Acts, Regular Session, 2024
Last Action Date: April 22, 2024
Title: Relating to the definition of small arms for purposes of taxation
Description: The purpose of this bill is to expand the definition of small arms to include the receiver or frame for purposes of taxation.
Last Action: Chapter 262, Acts, Regular Session, 2024
Last Action Date: April 22, 2024
Title: To establish the County Home Rule Program as a permanent program.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create the "County Home Rule Program."
Last Action: To House Government Organization
Last Action Date: February 6, 2024
Title: To codify that The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits unlawful users of drugs and those addicted to controlled substances, specifically marijuana, may not ship, receive, or possess a firearm
Description: The purpose of this bill is to codify that The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits unlawful users of drugs and those addicted to controlled substances, specifically marijuana, may not ship, receive, or possess a firearm.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: February 6, 2024
Title: Clarifying the Governor’s powers regarding a state of emergency or state of preparedness and changing the expiration of a state of emergency or preparedness to 30 days
Description: The purpose of this bill is to clarify the Governor's powers regarding a state of emergency or state of preparedness and changing the expiration of a state of emergency or preparedness to 30 days
Last Action: To House Government Organization
Last Action Date: February 7, 2024
Title: To allow those with a concealed carry license to carry a concealed handgun in public school property and buildings.
Description: The purpose of this bill is to allow persons who have a concealed carry license to carry a concealed handgun in or on the grounds of any primary or secondary educational facility.
Last Action: To House Education
Last Action Date: February 8, 2024
Title: Relating generally to the Business and Public Area Libability Protection Act
Description: The purpose of this bill is to remove prohibitions against persons carrying guns in state or municipal buildings where security is inadequate.
Last Action: To House Political Subdivisions
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Relating to the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act
Description: Relating to Firearms
Last Action: Senate requests House to concur
Last Action Date: March 9, 2024
Title: Protection of the Right to Bear Arms Amendment
Description: The purpose of this resolution is to amend the State Constitution to prohibit the state, counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of the state from restricting the right to keep and bear arms.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Creating WV Guardian Program
Description: Creating WV Guardian Program
Last Action: To House Education
Last Action Date: January 15, 2024
Title: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon
Description: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon
Last Action: Chapter 267, Acts, Regular Session, 2024
Last Action Date: April 23, 2024
Title: Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against firearms businesses
Description: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit financial institutions from discriminating against firearms businesses. The bill specifies civil remedies. The bill provides for attorneys fees and costs for a successful action. The bill provides for a statute of limitations on civil actions. The bill provides for potential loss of state business to a financial institution found to have violated this article. Finally, the bill provides for an effective date.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 10, 2024
Title: Relating to financial institutions engaged in boycotts of firearms companies
Description: Relating to financial institutions engaged in boycotts of firearms companies
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 11, 2024
Title: Limiting municipalities’ authority to restrict purchase and storage of weapons and ammunition
Description: The purpose of this bill is to prevent municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses.
Last Action: Rereferred to Rules on 2nd reading
Last Action Date: February 14, 2024
Title: Prohibiting discriminatory practices by financial institution or government entity against firearms manufacturers
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create and define the civil offense of unlawful discriminatory practices by a financial institution or government entity against manufacturers, retailers, distributors, shooting ranges, or trade associations that support or are engaged in the lawful commerce of firearms, firearms accessories, or ammunition products. The bill authorizes a declaratory judgment action to be brought by the Attorney General in the name of the state. It provides monetary damages and other remedies and costs, together with potential discontinuance of business by the state with these violators.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Expanding the definition of "small arms" for purposes of taxation
Description: The purpose of this bill is to expand the definition of small arms to include the receiver or frame for purposes of taxation.
Last Action: To House Finance
Last Action Date: February 13, 2024
Title: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
Description: The purpose of this bill is to declare the sale, repair, maintenance, and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories and components, etc. to be "essential" businesses and services for the purposes of safety and security in times of declared emergency or any other statutorily authorized responses to disaster, war, acts of terrorism, riot or civil disorder, or other emergencies. The bill prohibits certain specific governmental regulation of firearms, ammunition, components or accessories of any kind, or their use or possession. The bill creates an action for damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or other appropriate redress for the unlawful seizure or confiscation of firearms or related accessories and components; and provides for civil damages.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Creating mobile training team for school safety
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create a mobile training team for the purpose of school safety. The bill provides for regional mobile training officers. The bill empowers the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security to create the program. The bill provides for coordination between school protection officers and the mobile training team. The bill permits elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators to carry concealed weapons. The bill classifies such persons who carry concealed weapons as school protection officers. The bill provides that any teacher or administrator may become a school protection officer. The bill provides for requirements and exceptions. The bill provides for an incentive in the form of a bonus to be given to school protection officers. Finally, the bill provides that this incentive may be revoked if school protection officers lose their classification.
Last Action: To Education
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Relating to placing limitations on concealed carry permit
Description: The purpose of this bill is to clarify the placing of limitations on a concealed carry permit; excluding an individual from being charged with a crime in certain circumstances; and adding a severability clause.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Providing optional firearms safety classes from certain organizations
Description: The purpose of this bill is to create a "pop-up" window directing users to optional firearms safety classes offered by the NRA and the USCCA.
Last Action: To Agriculture and Natural Resources
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV
Description: The purpose of this bill is to codify the USCCA to provide concealed carry classes in West Virginia.
Last Action: To House Judiciary
Last Action Date: February 1, 2024
Title: Directing DNR to update website for certain applicants to apply for firearms safety classes
Description: Directing DNR to update website for certain applicants to apply for firearms safety classes
Last Action: To Agriculture and Natural Resources
Last Action Date: January 15, 2024
Title: Establishing pop-up window that directs users to optional firearms safety classes offered by NRA and USCCA
Description: The purpose of this bill is to establish a "pop-up" window that directs users to optional firearms safety classes offered by the NRA and the USCCA.
Last Action: To Agriculture and Natural Resources
Last Action Date: January 17, 2024
Title: Clarifying restrictions of lawful carry of deadly weapons surrounding State Capitol Complex grounds
Description: The purpose of this bill is to clarify that it is legal to carry a deadly weapon, firearm, or pepper spray specifically on the sidewalks and streets that directly border and surround the State Capitol Complex grounds.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 18, 2024
Title: Eliminating restriction to carry firearm on State Capitol Complex grounds
Description: The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the restriction to carry a firearm on the state capitol complex grounds.
Last Action: To Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 22, 2024