Multiple pro-gun and pro-hunting bills are awaiting consideration in the West Virginia Legislature and need your help to get moving. Please contact your state Senator and state Delegate and ask them to support the following bills.
Senate Bill 388, sponsored by state Senator Dave Sypolt (R-14), would allow West Virginia concealed weapons permit holders to carry a firearm for self-defense while dropping off or picking up students on school property, as long as the firearm does not leave the motor vehicle. Current West Virginia law prevents firearms from being carried or transported onto school property, including by those who don’t step foot out of their car. Individuals who are legally allowed to carry a firearm for self-defense should not be barred from doing so while dropping off or picking up their kids from school. SB 388 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee awaiting consideration.
House Bill 2562, sponsored by Delegate Geoff Foster (R-15), specifies that lawful owners of firearms may transport or store the firearms in locked, privately-owned motor vehicles without fear of civil liability, criminal liability or employer retribution. Throughout the country, many employers and business owners have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace or building to include parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure. In order to comply with these policies, many law-abiding gun owners must choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and being subject to termination by their employer. The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because you park your car in a publicly accessible parking lot owned by your employer or a business owner. HB 2562 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee awaiting consideration.
Senate Bill 345, sponsored by state Senator Mark Maynard (R-6), seeks to expand Sunday hunting opportunities on private land with written permission. Currently, West Virginia allows hunting on Sundays in some counties on some private land. SB 345 would remove the confusing patchwork of counties where hunting on Sundays on private land is not allowed. While hunting is restricted in West Virginia in certain counties on Sundays, other activities such as fishing, hiking and target shooting remain perfectly legal on the seventh day of the week. Between work, school and other obligations, Sunday hunting bans work to discourage hunting at a time when hunter recruitment and participation must be encouraged in order to save our hunting heritage. Restrictions on Sunday hunting effectively treat hunters as second-class citizens and tacitly endorse the view of animal extremists that there is something wrong with hunting. SB 345 is currently in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee awaiting consideration.
House Bill 2679, sponsored by Delegate Amy Summers (R-49), would allow a law abiding person to carry a firearm in any state, county, or Municipal Park or other recreation area. This legislation would remove the ability for park commissions to prohibit carrying in parks by rules or ordinance. Law-abiding West Virginians who choose to carry a concealed handgun in a park should not need to worry about a confusing patchwork of firearm regulations throughout the state. HB 2679 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee awaiting consideration.
Again, please contact your state Senator and state Delegate and urge them to SUPPORT SB 345, SB 388, HB 2562, and HB 2679.
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