CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A loud round of applause rang out in the House of Delegates Chamber Monday afternoon after House members gave unanimous approval to a bill that would allow guns to be in locked vehicles on the grounds of the state capitol complex.
Del. Gary Howell, R-Mineral, said that’s currently illegal but not that many people realize it.
“We have a lot of people that come down to visit us at the capitol and have conceal carry (gun permits), park in the parking lot and don’t know that’s illegal,” Howell said. “This corrects that problem.”
Del. Justin Marcum, D-Mingo, said the bill only allows the guns if there’s a legal conceal carry permit.
“This bill would allow a person who is lawfully carrying a gun in their vehicle to leave the gun locked in their car while on the state capitol complex,” Marcum said.
The bill would also impact state lawmakers who have conceal carry permits. Del. Danny Wells, D-Kanawha, pointed out there are parking spaces very close to the governor’s mansion.
“There will be about 20 spaces in front of the mansion, about a few feet from the mansion door, where you’ll be able to carry a concealed weapon in a car with a permit,” Wells said.
The bill passed 96-0 and was forwarded to the state Senate.