The House of Delegates is set to
give final approval Thursday to the bill that would eliminate the required
permit and training from the state’s concealed carry gun law. The House
defeated a handful of amendments offered during debate Wednesday night.
House Majority Leader Darryl Cowles
(R-Morgan) wanted to put the issue up for a statewide vote. He said he’s
continued to hear from police officers who fear changing the current law may
lead to more violence.
“My concern has always been and
continues to be today law enforcement safety,” Cowles said. “I wish I was able
to get more comfort level with the current proposal as it deals with law
enforcement safety.”
Del. Randy Smith (R-Preston) argued
against putting the policy up for a vote by state residents.
“We’re sent down here to make hard
decisions. We’re not going to please everybody,” Smith said.
Cowles proposed amendment was
rejected along with a proposal from Del. Nancy Guthrie (D-Kanawha) to allow
concealed carry within the walls of the state capitol. Opponents of that idea
said it was an attempt by Guthrie to kill the bill. The proposal failed 7-86.
The most significant change the
House has made to the Senate bill (SB347) is making the age when a person can
conceal carry without a permit 21, the Senate version had the age at 18. The
bill says a person that’s 18-21 years of age can still conceal carry if they
get a permit and go through training like the current law requires for everyone
getting one of the permits.
The bill is up for third and final
reporting Thursday morning in the House. It will then be returned to the
Senate.
