Bill > HB3181

This bill creates a new law allowing law enforcement officers in West Virginia to purchase their service handgun (defined as a pistol or revolver) upon honorably separating from their employing agency or ending their elected term of office, with some important restrictions. The law provides that the service handgun can be sold to the officer at cost, but only if the officer is separating honorably and is not subject to any pending disciplinary complaints or investigations. The agency is prohibited from selling the handgun to an officer who is legally banned from possessing a firearm, is believed to be mentally incapacitated, or is considered a potential danger to any person or the community. The bill specifically notes that it does not override any existing laws about awarding firearms to law enforcement officers, and it will go into effect 90 days after its passage. This legislation aims to provide a standard process for law enforcement officers to potentially retain their service weapon when they leave their agency, while maintaining safeguards to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from acquiring a firearm.

Government Affairs, Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3181&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill