Late yesterday, Governor Jim Justice signed two important pro-gun bills into law.
House Bill 2679, sponsored by Delegate Amy Summers (R-49), allows a law-abiding person to carry a firearm in any state, county, or Municipal Park or other recreation area. This legislation removes 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 expands Sunday hunting opportunities on private land with written permission similar to the provisions that were in SB 345.
Senate Bill 388, sponsored by state Senator Dave Sypolt (R-14), allows law-abiding citizens in possession of a concealed firearm permit to transport a firearm onto school property while dropping off or picking up students, as long as the firearm does not leave the motor vehicle. Before, West Virginia law prevents loaded 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.
In addition to these two important bills, Governor Justice recently signed Senate Bill 345, pro-hunting legislation which expands Sunday hunting opportunities, and Senate Bill 575 which protects sport shooting ranges from frivolous lawsuits and noise complaints.
Your NRA-ILA would like to thank the bill Sponsors, Senate Leadership, House Leadership, and all Senators and Delegates who supported these four important bills throughout the legislative process. Additionally NRA-ILA would like to thank Governor Jim Justice for supporting, and signing all four pro-gun and pro-hunting bills.