Bill > HB2650

This bill amends West Virginia law to allow individuals with a valid concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on public school property and in school buildings, which is currently prohibited. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited concealed carry on school grounds, specifically eliminating language that previously only permitted concealed handgun permit holders to store firearms in vehicles on school parking lots under specific conditions. The legislation maintains exceptions for certain authorized personnel such as law enforcement officers, probation officers, and other specified professionals. The bill preserves the existing serious penalties for unauthorized weapon possession on school grounds, which include potential felony charges with imprisonment of two to ten years and/or fines up to $5,000. The underlying rationale, as stated in the bill's text, is to provide a reasonable regulation of citizens' rights to bear arms while maintaining a balance with school safety considerations. By modifying the existing statute, the bill aims to expand the rights of concealed carry permit holders to include school premises, potentially giving them more flexibility in personal protection while navigating educational facilities.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2650&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill