Bill > HB3219

This bill modifies West Virginia's laws regarding firearm possession for individuals with certain criminal histories, aiming to clarify and potentially expand gun rights for some nonviolent offenders. The bill makes several key changes, including allowing individuals convicted of certain drug offenses to potentially regain their firearm rights after five years, permitting those in recovery from substance use disorders to have their gun rights reinstated after one year (provided they are not in medication-assisted treatment), and removing some previous restrictions on firearm possession. The legislation specifically allows persons over 21 years old who are U.S. citizens or legal residents to carry concealed weapons without a license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from firearm possession. The bill also introduces nuanced provisions about what constitutes a violent offense, with specific definitions for drug-related convictions and domestic violence. Additionally, the bill includes a provision preventing state law enforcement from assisting federal authorities in removing or restricting gun rights of legal state residents. Penalties for illegal firearm possession remain significant, with potential fines and imprisonment for violations, but the overall thrust of the bill appears to be expanding gun rights for individuals with certain past criminal convictions while maintaining restrictions for those convicted of violent offenses.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3219&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill