Bill > SB449

This bill clarifies and permits the use of air rifles (compressed air guns that use gas to propel pellets) and rimfire rifles (firearms using a specific type of ammunition where the primer is located in the rim of the cartridge) for school shooting teams in West Virginia. The legislation allows these specific types of rifles to be transported on school buses, kept on school grounds, and used at school-sponsored shooting team events in areas owned or controlled by educational authorities. The bill requires that when not in active use during team events or practices, these rifles and their ammunition must be locked in a location inaccessible to students. On school buses, the rifles must be stored in a locked case in a specific location determined by state or county transportation directors. The bill recognizes the growing popularity of air rifle and rimfire rifle teams and aims to provide clear legal guidelines for their operation in schools, addressing previous uncertainties about the legality of such weapons on educational premises. By specifying detailed storage and transportation requirements, the legislation seeks to balance supporting school shooting teams with maintaining school safety.