Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.
This bill modifies the rules for expunged criminal records in West Virginia, specifically allowing law enforcement agencies to consider those records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Under current law, individuals with expunged records can generally state they have never been convicted, but this change creates an exception for firearm licensing applications. The amendment adds law enforcement agencies reviewing firearm permit requests to the list of entities that may access expunged records, while maintaining restrictions on disclosure for other purposes. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking to carry firearms who have previously had their criminal records expunged.
HB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.
SB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.
HB 8073 restricts the possession of prohibited firearms, making it a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who possess firearms classified as "prohibited" under the bill's definition. The key provision prohibits possessing such firearms without legal authorization, with penalties for violations. This bill, introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, focuses on limiting access to specific firearms through criminal penalties. The abstract does not specify the exact firearm types or additional enforcement mechanisms.
Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.
Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.
Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.
Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas from purchasing or possessing a firearm. It also prevents the sentencing judge from suspending the first two (2) years of any sentence under limited circumstances.
SB 2295 prohibits individuals from purchasing or possessing more than one firearm within any 30-day period, directly affecting most firearm buyers. Key exemptions include law enforcement officers, inheritances, temporary rentals at licensed shooting ranges, firearm safety courses, and transfers to licensed curio collectors. Violating this rule results in a misdemeanor penalty for a first offense (up to one year in jail or $500 fine) and a felony charge for subsequent offenses (up to three years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to licensed dealers, governmental entities, or court-ordered transfers. This legislation aims to limit rapid multiple firearm acquisitions through specific purchase restrictions.
