The Senate passed Senate Bill 10 this morning, legislation that would allow the concealed carry of handguns on the state’s university campuses so long as carrier has a current and valid conceal carry permit.
The bill prohibits the state Higher Education Policy Commission, the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia or college/university governing boards from restricting concealed carry on campuses.
Open carry is forbidden in the bill, and while the state as a whole allows constitutional carry – concealed carry without a permit – that is not allowed in this bill.
The legislation contains 12 exceptions where institutions may continue to ban concealed carry. The exceptions include: an organized event at a stadium or arena with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators; at a campus daycare; at K-12 school-sponsored functions occurring on campus; patient-care areas; and residence halls, except in common areas.
Regarding residence halls, the institution must provide secure storage for weapons, either in in-room safes or a secure storage location, or both.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration. If the bill completes legislative action, it would go into effect July 1, 2024.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Energy at 1 p.m. in 208W
Health at 1 p.m. in 451M
Finance Sub A at 2 p.m. in 208W
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M
