Today, the state Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 149 unanimously by a voice vote. This legislation will now be sent to the Senate Finance Committee for its consideration, which could take place as early as tomorrow.
Introduced by state Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-16), SB 149 would mandate police authorities return all seized firearms, not currently being held as evidence in a criminal investigation, to the lawful owner if able. If the lawful owner is not found or unable to take possession of the firearm, SB 149 would require these agencies to sell these firearms at a public auction to a licensed firearms dealer. Current West Virginia law allows for seized guns to be immediately destroyed.
SB 149 would also prevent the wasteful and expensive practice of destroying firearms that could be re-circulated through licensed dealers to the retail market. Localities would be enabled with the ability to reap the benefits of the sale proceeds and consumers would have access to affordable firearms through licensed dealers, with all of the usual safeguards that apply to dealer sales to the public.
Please contact members of the Senate Finance Committee today and respectfully urge them to support this common sense pro-gun bill. To find contact information for committee members, please click here.
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