WV passes Constitutional Carry 99-0-1

[William Tell]

Thanks for explaining how there was so much support in the legislature.

The other reason I know for the strong support is because the bill increases gun control. It makes Constitutional Carry not apply until you are 21. That is an amendment from the unconstitutional 18 year old requirement. The US Constitution is clear that a child is able to carry concealed without a permit.

Does anyone else have an idea why licenseless concealed carry had so much support in the legislature in WV? There are a bunch of states where folks could use this information to help work for better gun laws.

Nice spin. Of course, you probably wouldn't be saying the same thing if this was a New Hampshire bill...
Although there should be no restrictions whatsoever on firearm ownership and carry, saying it has support because it "increases gun control" Is epic trolling.

 

[Matt Collins]

The other reason I know for the strong support is because the bill increases gun control. It makes Constitutional Carry not apply until you are 21. That is an amendment from the unconstitutional 18 year old requirement. The US Constitution is clear that a child is able to carry concealed without a permit.

Yes that amendment was added by Chairman John Shott and voted on in the House Judiciary Committee. It was then approved on the floor of the House. There is a roll call vote available so everyone can see who voted to increase the age restriction to 21.

Does anyone else have an idea why licenseless concealed carry had so much support in the legislature in WV? There are a bunch of states where folks could use this information to help work for better gun laws.

There is a liberty caucus in the legislature who has been actively pushing this. 4 or 5 legislators who are hardcore dedicated to the cause of liberty. That helps to have a few on the inside. But the main reason is the outside pressure that is happening from West Virginia Gun Rights that is getting voters to contact their legislator and urge support of the bill. Legislators are getting hundreds if not thousands of calls and e-mails in support of this.

Politicians will do whatever they need to do in order to keep their job. That is what makes the difference.

 

[Keith and stuff]

Nice spin. Of course, you probably wouldn't be saying the same thing if this was a New Hampshire bill...
Although there should be no restrictions whatsoever on firearm ownership and carry, saying it has support because it "increases gun control" Is epic trolling.

We had a CC bill in NH in 2012. The NRA demanded that it require 18 to carry a firearm. The liberty folks said absolutely not. There has never been a legal age for carry in NH and we will not comprise. The NRA connected Reps. refused to continue with the NH tradition of no age due to pressure from the NRA. The bill was killed by the senate because of liberty folks demanding they kill the bill.

This year, the NRA was told to shut up and so far the house and senate leadership have agreed. A CC bill passed the senate with no age limit. The house retained the exact same bill, but with a different bill number, as a tactical to use against the governor in case she vetoes the senate bill. The liberty position in NH is that no age limit and no CC is better than CC and an 18 (or especially 21) age for carry. The problem is that there aren't enough votes to override a veto now, like there were in 2012. Liberty is hard

I am glad that the gun folks in WV are making the progress they want to make.

 

[Keith and stuff]

There is a liberty caucus in the legislature who has been actively pushing this. 4 or 5 legislators who are hardcore dedicated to the cause of liberty. That helps to have a few on the inside. But the main reason is the outside pressure that is happening from West Virginia Gun Rights that is getting voters to contact their legislator and urge support of the bill. Legislators are getting hundreds if not thousands of calls and e-mails in support of this.

Politicians will do whatever they need to do in order to keep their job. That is what makes the difference.

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate the explanation.

 

[Matt Collins]

Oh, I should also point out that the local group (West Virginia Citizens Defense League) and the NRA both sold out and agreed to the 21 year old restriction in a compromise with the Sheriff's Association.

 

[Keith and stuff]

I found a possible additional reason why the bill had so much support.

Anyway, it looks like there are enough votes for an override. That's good news The governor's reasoning is not good

W.Va. Governor Vetoes SB347, Cites Law Enforcement Safety Concerns
WHAG News
03/20/2015 10:42 AM
03/20/2015 10:45 AM

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has vetoed Senate Bill 347. The bill would have given people the right to conceal-carry a firearm without a permit.

In a press release from the Governor’s Office, Governor Tomblin explained his reason for vetoing the bill.

"Throughout my career, I have strongly supported the Second Amendment, as demonstrated by my repeated endorsements and high grades from the National Rifle Association. However, I must also be responsive to the apprehension of law enforcement officers from across the state, who have concerns about the bill as it relates to the safety of their fellow officers. It also would eliminate the required gun safety training courses for those applying for a concealed carry permit. In light of these concerns and in the interest of public safety for all West Virginians, I have vetoed Senate Bill 347."

The controversial bill cleared all legislative hurdles after the Senate approved House amendments last week.

Several of the amendments included raising the concealed carrying age without a permit to 21, and harsher punishments for gun crimes.

Legal gun owners in West Virginia already have the right to open carry with a permit.

http://www.your4state.com/story/d/s...w-enforcement-sa/79673/gQsauWfgwEiWZ3aKAZfMjw

 

[Anti Federalist]

However, I must also be responsive to the apprehension of law enforcement officers from across the state, who have concerns about the bill as it relates to the safety of their fellow officers.

Heh.