West Virginia Senate Committees to Consider Two NRA-Backed Bills

This Wednesday, February 15, West Virginia Senate committees are expected to consider two NRA-backed bills.  The state Senate Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to hear a pro-hunting bill, Senate Bill 144.  On the same day, the state Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Senate Bill 353.

Introduced by state Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-16), SB 144 would make a clear distinction between hunters and shooters in the field and only require those engaged in hunting to be required to carry a valid hunting license.  The hearing for SB 144 will take place at 1:00 p.m. in Room 208W of the State Capitol.  Please contact members of the state Senate Natural Resources Committee and urge them to support SB 144.  Contact information can be found here.

SB 353, also introduced by Senator Unger and Senate President Jeff Kessler (D-2), would expedite the process of purchasing a firearm for valid concealed carry permit holders by making West Virginia eligible for an exemption from the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  Such carry permit holders have already cleared a background check and fingerprinting process.  This legislation would further conform state law to federal law.  The hearing for SB 353 will take place at 3:00 p.m. in Room 208W of the State Capitol.  Please contact members of the state Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to support SB 353.  Contact information can be found here.