Fairfax, Va. - A new law goes into effect in West Virginia today that protects the privacy of West Virginians by exempting information contained in concealed handgun license applications from the Freedom of Information Act. The law, HB 2636, means the names of those with concealed handgun licenses will now be private information, unavailable for publishing in newspapers across the state or susceptible to unnecessary public requests.

“This is a win for NRA members and all Second Amendment supporters in West Virginia,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Gun owners’ information should be protected, as these are individuals who are simply exercising a constitutional right. Publicly disclosing this information would only be used to harass lawful people.”

The bill passed the House and the Senate unanimously in March and was signed into law by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on April 1.