An editorial from The Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Legislation regarding firearms always brings strong opinions and debate.
The Second Amendment, obviously, has overwhelming support in West Virginia.
The Firearms Act of 2015, Senate Bill 347, passed with broad support by the West Virginia Legislature, but it was vetoed by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on Friday. Arkansas, Alaska, Arizona, Vermont and Wyoming have passed similar permit-less concealed carry laws, also called “constitutional carry.”
The West Virginia bill would have allowed anyone age 21 and older who is a West Virginia resident and who can legally own a firearm to conceal carry the weapon without a permit. The bill does away with the permit process.
We believe Tomblin — like so many others in the state — has legitimate concerns about the bill, and we hope they are considered carefully when the bill is taken up again.
Open carry is already legal without permitting in West Virginia…