West Virginia Senate to Vote on Constitutional Carry Bill

A constitutional carry bill is set to be considered and voted on in the West Virginia Senate today.

Sponsored by Delegate Saira Blair (R-Berkeley),  House Bill 4145 “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,” the NRA said in a statement.

RELATED STORY: State-By-State Concealed Carry Gun Laws For 2015

While HB 4145 calls for permitless carry, those between the ages of 18 to 21 would still be required to get a concealed carry permit.

“The provisions of HB 4145 only apply to an individual who is: (1) at least 21 years of age; (2) a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States; and (3) not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law,” the NRA says. “If a convicted violent criminal or drug dealer possesses a concealed deadly weapon in West Virginia, they are committing a state and federal felony and will spend up to 10 years in prison, if convicted.  Furthermore, if a criminal uses a firearm during the commission of a felony, that individual will face an additional 10 years in prison.  Law-enforcement officers have the ability to nearly instantaneously verify whether an individual who possesses a firearm is a criminal.  HB 4145 only protects the rights of law-abiding individuals.

RELATED STORY: Maine Constitutional Carry – Gov. Paul LePage Signs Bill Into Law

Currently, only Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Vermont and Wyoming allow constitutional carry.

If HB 4145 passes the Senate, it will need to return to the House of Delegates for a concurrence vote. Time is crucial. Once again, please contact your state Senator and Delegate TODAY and politely urge him or her to support HB 4145. 

Read more: https://www.nraila.org