MontaniSemperLiberi
MD Survivor
3-22 Carry Introduced
3-22 Carry (HB4145) was introduced today in the house, along with the Senate companion bill (SB314). We expect the house bill to run, so watch the House Judiciary committee's agenda.
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Changes from Last Year
3-22 Carry (HB4145) has been introduced in the house, along with the Senate companion bill (SB314). We expect the house bill to run, so watch the House Judiciary committee's agenda.The 2016 version of the bill is an improvement over the final version passed last year. It includes a mechanism for 18-20 year olds to carry concealed in West Virginia. It creates a two-tier licensing system. The lower tier is for individuals 18-20 years old, and allows them to go a nearly identical licensing system to obtain a lower-tier license called a "Provisional License." This license will require training, be at a reduced cost, and will create a "feeder" system for the upper-tier (standard) license. The Provisional License will expire on the individual's 21st birthday, at which point they can get a standard license, or opt to carry in-state under 3-22 (permitless) carry. It should be noted that the NICS bypass will *not* be available for "Provisional Licenses." It will remain available for the standard license for individuals over 21.
When a person turns 21, they will apply for the standard 5 year license, that will remain unmodified, and continue to be recognized by 37 states. Alternately, if a person does not wish to take advantage of West Virginia's broad reciprocity, they may carry concealed in-state without a license.
This is the main improvement in the bill. 18-20 year olds will have a choice between open carry, or obtaining a license to carry concealed. 21 and up will have the choice between open carry, concealed carry without a license, or concealed carry with a license (and the reciprocity that comes with it.)
In addition to the licensing changes, these bills include mandatory minimum prison sentences for carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a felony, modeled after Richmond VA's extraordinarily successful Project Exile. Using a firearm in the commission of a felony could lead to a mandatory five year prison term with no good-behavior or early release. This has proven extremely successful in curbing gun crime, by keeping violent felons in prison where they belong, instead of rotating them through the justice system and right back into the streets. (Even the Sheriff's Association loves this part of the bill.)
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Action Item
Click here to find your Delegate, and call and/or email them, and ask them to support HB4145. Let them know that their support for this bill will affect your vote in November, and that you will be watching the roll call. If you cannot find your representative, please call 304-421-3404. Leave a message at that number, and one of us will call you back to help you find your delegate's contact information.
Your calls and emails will be what makes the difference. Every legislator knows that your call or email represents dozens to hundreds of people who think (and vote) as you do, but were too lazy to fight for their rights.
It is critical that you make these calls and send these emails!
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Upcoming Events
Come on out & enjoy some food and conversation with like minded folks the evening before Lobby Day. Hear from the WVCDL Board of Directors about what the WVCDL is, what we've accomplished, and what we are working on. We'll also go over what exactly happens on Lobby Day. Business cards and membership applications will be available. Meals are at individual expense.
Sunday, January 23rd, 2016 2pm
Northern Panhandle Meet and Greet
Eat'n Park 80 Fort Henry Rd, Triadelphia, West Virginia 26059
Saturday, January 30th, 2016 4:30pm
Raleigh and Surrounding Counties WVCDL Meet and Greet
Logans Roadhouse 1310 N Eisenhower Dr, Beckley, WV 25801
Sunday, February 14th, 2016 at 5pm
WVCDL Pre Lobby Day Meet and Greet
Golden Corral 412 New Goff Mountain Rd, Cross Lanes, West Virginia 25313
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Lobby Day
February 15, 2016. Come stand with us in defense of your rights!
I look forward to seeing you all in the Capitol in Charleston!