Bill > HB3494

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law regarding firearm possession prohibitions by requiring individuals convicted of certain crimes (specifically crimes punishable by imprisonment over one year or misdemeanor domestic violence offenses) to sign a form at the time of their conviction acknowledging their prohibition from possessing firearms. The new provision mandates that these individuals must transfer any firearms they own to persons who are not legally prohibited from possessing them. This requirement is an additional step to ensure compliance with existing firearm restrictions, which already prevent certain individuals—such as those with felony convictions, those with domestic violence convictions, individuals with certain mental health adjudications, and those with substance abuse issues—from legally possessing firearms. The bill does not fundamentally change who is prohibited from possessing firearms, but instead adds an administrative requirement of formal acknowledgment and firearm transfer at the time of conviction for specific categories of offenders. The goal appears to be increasing awareness of firearm restrictions and ensuring prompt removal of firearms from individuals who are legally barred from possession.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3494&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill