City gun bill not moving in Senate

The bill that would eliminate stricter gun purchase and sale requirements in four West Virginia cities is still sitting in the Senate Government Organization Committee with just a couple of weeks left in the 2013 Regular Legislative Session.

If it advances, the next stop for that proposed legislation would be the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Committee Chairman Corey Palumbo from Kanawha County says he thinks the existing ordinances in Charleston, Martinsburg, Dunbar and South Charleston should stand.

“I’m comfortable with different rules in different cities on guns like we have on smoking and all different kinds of things,” Senator Palumbo said.  “I’m not trying to support or oppose their (city) ordinances.  I don’t care what they do.  I just think it should be their decision.”

The regulations in the four cities were part of a grandfather clause included in firearms legislation state lawmakers approved more than a decade ago to keep cities and counties from passing gun regulations that are more restrictive than state law.

This proposal would lift the clause that allows Charleston, for example, to limit handgun purchases to one a month per person with a 72 hour waiting period requirement.

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones is opposed to the proposed bill.  “This bill affects every city, every county in West Virginia.  It’s a very complicated piece of legislation,” he said.  “This bill is just beyond any type of reason or anything.”

He says, in addition to nullifying his city’s gun rules, the bill could also clear the way for more liberal zoning laws, possibly allowing for gun stores in residential areas, subject cities and counties to more gun lawsuits and prohibit gun buy back programs.

Supporters of the legislation have taken to the streets of Charleston in recent days to try to put pressure on Senate Government Organization Committee Chairman Herb Snyder and Senator Palumbo to move the bill.

Senate President Jeff Kessler says there have been reports that Senator Snyder, who is from Jefferson County, has been the target of threats because of this bill.

“I can assure that the way to make sure that legislation doesn’t move around here is to try to threaten folks,” Senator Kessler said.  “I’m not supportive of that type of behavior and will not advance legislation if those types of tactics are being used.”

The full House of Delegates approved the bill with a 94-4 vote earlier this month.  Senator Palumbo says that’s surprising.  “I just would not have thought that that bill would have garnered 94 votes in the House,” he said on Tuesday’s MetroNews Talkline.

There are more than 30 bills dealing with gun ownership and gun rights pending at the State House.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments