The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed the Campus Self-Defense Act, sending it to Governor Jim Justice’s desk for a signature.
The legislation, Senate Bill 10, will allow law-abiding carry permit holders to carry on state college campuses.
On Tuesday, the bill passed through the House of Delegates in an 84-13 vote.
If signed by Gov. Justice, the Higher Education Policy Commission, the Council for Community and Technical College Education, and the institutional boards of governors will lose their ability to regulate or restrict the carrying of firearms on higher-education campuses.
“It is the intent of the Legislature to establish, by this Act, conditions under which persons with a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may carry a concealed pistol or revolver at a state institution of higher education at the discretion of the person who holds a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon,” the text of the bill states. “When a person exercises the rights granted by this section, neither the carrying of a concealed pistol or revolver nor any other conduct of such person involving a concealed pistol or revolver shall be construed to be an act of the state institution of higher education nor of the state, and no liability for any such actions of such person shall be imputed to the institution of higher education, unless the state institution of higher education has expressly requested or directed such person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver.”
The West Virginia Legislature held a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Later that day, it was passed by the Judiciary Committee.
Opponents argued that it would increase violence on college campuses. Those who support it argue that an armed society is a polite society.
The legislation had been endorsed and supported by the National Rifle Association and their Institute for Legislative Action.
“Current state law does not prohibit carrying of a defensive firearm on campus, but institution policy may lead to expulsion or termination of employment,” the NRA said of the bill. “Adults who are officially licensed to carry a firearm for self-defense should not be prevented from doing so just because they seek higher education.”
