West Virginia: Three Pro-Gun Bills Still Awaiting Governor Tomblin’s Signature

As previously reported, three important pro-gun bills, Senate Bill 284, House Bill 2128 and House Bill 2636, are still awaiting a signature from Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D), and your urgent action is needed in support of these bills!

Introduced by state Senator David Nohe (R-3), SB 284 would require that a chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) sign an application for the transfer of any item regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) within 30 days if the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving it.  By removing any possibility of personal bias and creating a statewide standard, SB 284 would protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the Mountain State.  SB 284 passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on March 12 after passing unanimously in the state Senate on February 4.

Introduced by state Delegate Gary Howell (R-56), HB 2128 would permit individuals with a concealed handgun license to legally store a firearm in their private vehicle on state Capitol grounds.  HB 2128 passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on February 5, passed unanimously in the state Senate on March 11 and was concurred on in the House on March 12. 

Introduced by state Delegate Michael Folk (R-63), HB 2636 would exempt information contained in a concealed handgun license application from the Freedom of Information Act.  This respects all law-abiding concealed carry holders’ right to privacy by closing to the public the list of residents with concealed carry licenses.  HB 2636 passed unanimously in the House of Delegates on March 4 and passed unanimously in the state Senate on March 14.  

It is critical that you contact Governor Tomblin immediately and encourage him to sign SB 284, HB 2128 and HB 2636 into law.  He only has until April 4^th to act on these bills.

Governor Tomblin can be reached by phone at 304-558-2000 and by email here.