SB 597 West Virginia Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Eliminating restriction to carry firearm on State Capitol Complex grounds

This bill removes restrictions on carrying firearms and pepper spray on sidewalks and streets directly bordering the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. It clarifies that lawful firearm carriers may carry weapons on these public sidewalks and streets, which were previously subject to ambiguity under existing law. The change specifically applies to areas surrounding the Capitol grounds, not the grounds themselves, and aligns with current provisions allowing firearms in locked vehicles on Capitol property. The bill does not alter existing rules for carrying weapons on Capitol grounds or within the Capitol building.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 25, 2025 Last action Feb 25, 2025
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Total actions
4
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0
Committee
2
Feb 25, 2025
Committee
To Government Organization
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Committee
To Government Organization then Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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