Bill > SB984

This bill amends West Virginia law to clarify that a petition to restore firearms rights can also include the right to serve on a jury, and it introduces provisions for the automatic restoration of civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm and serve on a jury, for certain nonviolent first offenders upon completion of their parole or probation. Specifically, the bill modifies existing statutes to allow individuals petitioning a circuit court to regain their ability to possess a firearm to also petition for the restoration of their right to serve on a jury, provided they are deemed competent and capable of responsible firearm possession and it does not violate federal law. Furthermore, a new section establishes that individuals convicted of a nonviolent felony offense in West Virginia will have their right to serve on a jury and possess a firearm automatically restored upon successful completion of parole, probation, or absolute discharge from imprisonment, unless they have prior disqualifying offenses or their conviction falls under specific exclusions such as violent crimes, offenses against minors, or those involving deadly weapons. This automatic restoration means these individuals do not need to file a separate petition to regain these rights, though they may do so to obtain documentation. The bill also outlines specific felony offenses for which automatic restoration of rights will not apply, including violent crimes, offenses against children, and those involving cruelty to animals or deadly weapons.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=984&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill