CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates voted Friday to override Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s veto of the conceal carry bill (HB 4145).
The 64-33 vote came without discussion from delegates. The override won’t be complete until the Senate votes. The next Senate floor session is Saturday at 9 a.m.
MORE Read Gov. Tomblin’s veto message here
The bill would largely eliminate the state’s permit and training requirements to carry a concealed weapon. The bill requires those between 18-21 to get the training and permit.
Tomblin vetoed the bill Thursday expressing concern from police officers across the state.
“When you’re a police officer and you walk into a dangerous situation, you almost have to expect that everyone’s carrying a gun,” Tomblin said.
Del. Michael Ihle (R-Jackson) said Friday on MetroNews “Talkline” he would have never voted for the bill if he thought it put police officers in danger.
“The fact is you can open carry now. The only difference with this bill is that you no longer have to pay a fee to someone if you decide to wear a jacket or put your gun in a purse,” Ihle said.
The opposition and veto may be more financially based, Ihle said.
“This has been a revenue stream for the sheriffs. I think they would be more credible if they would just come out and say that,” he said.
In his veto message the governor also expressed concern about the $50 tax credit for those who want to get training. Tomblin called it “ill-advised and unclear.”