West Virginia – -(Ammoland.com)- West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) members and supporters, thanks to your efforts, 3-22 (constitutional or permitless) carry has passed a major legislative hurdle. It passed the House Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 21-3.

Multiple amendments designed to poison the bill were shot down on 16-8 votes.

The bill is a committee substitute, and there are some changes from the senate version. So I will provide a summary of the bill as it stands now.

If the bill passes in its current form:

The CHL licensing system remains completely intact so that we may take advantage of reciprocity agreements and carry in other states.

Anyone over the age of 21 may carry openly or concealed without paying fees and obtaining a Concealed Handgun License, provided they are not prohibited from owning firearms.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is a member of the Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard may carry openly or concealed without paying fees and obtaining a Concealed Handgun License

The prohibitions of openly carrying a loaded handgun in a car, or in the woods of the state are removed. This will now be permissible without the “gotchas” in the Natural Resources laws.

A longarm will be considered unloaded in a vehicle (thus legal) as long as the magazine is removed, and the chamber is clear. Meaning, you can't be charged with poaching for having a detached mag with some rounds in it.

If a sheriff wrongfully denies your CHL, you may obtain reasonable court costs and fees if you take your appeal to Circuit Court and win your case.

If you move to another county, the Sheriff must issue you a new CHL with your new license, and your original expiration date for a fee of $5.00

This bill is a HUGE win for West Virginians if we can get it to the governor in its current form. Stay tuned as it heads for a vote on the floor of the House.

Please contact your Delegate and ask them to support SB347!

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Keith Morgan

President,

West Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc.

About:

The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org