CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is in line to become the sixth state to allow the conceal carry of a gun without a permit. The bill cleared the state Senate Friday and was sent to the House of Delegates.
The bill, which passed 32-2, would eliminate the current permit requirement and training that operates through county sheriff’s departments. It also would move back the age of a person allowed to carrying a hidden firearm from 21 to 18.
Senator Mike Romano (D-Harrison) voted for the bill but tried to amend it a few times Friday before the final vote. One of his amendments would keep the age at 21.
“We don’t have the life experience. We don’t have the knowledge of what it is about life and death when we’re 18-years-old,” Romano said.
The senator also sought an amendment to require training but that was also defeated. Senator Kent Leonhardt (R-Monongalia) spoke against the provision.
“To require training is just another obstacle placed between our government, the people and their constitutional rights,” Leonhardt said.
Permit fees bring in more than $3 million a year statewide for sheriff’s departments. Those would go away if the bill passes the House and is signed into law by the governor.
Senators Corey Palumbo (D-Kanawha) and Ron Miller (D-Greenbrier) voted against the bill.