Allowing off-duty law-enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at public schools and public school events

SB 481 amends West Virginia law to explicitly permit off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in public schools and school events. This change directly affects off-duty officers (including those with active law enforcement credentials) and public schools, clarifying that they are exempt from existing restrictions that prohibit weapons on school grounds. The bill modifies the exemption language in §61-7-11a(b)(2)(A) to specifically include "off duty" officers, removing ambiguity about whether current exemptions cover them. It does not change restrictions for civilians or other personnel, maintaining the existing prohibition for non-exempt individuals.