West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4782

Introduced
1/16/24  
Refer
1/16/24  
Refer
1/31/24  
Engrossed
2/13/24  
Enrolled
3/1/24  
Passed
3/9/24  

Caption

Preventing municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4782 will significantly alter the regulatory landscape for municipalities in West Virginia. It will prevent local governments from enacting more stringent regulations concerning firearms that could inhibit the sale or possession of firearms and ammunition. The bill essentially centralizes the authority over firearms regulation at the state level, restricting municipalities’ ability to govern this issue locally. This shift could lead to more uniform practices statewide, yet it could limit the ability of local governments to respond to specific community needs or concerns related to gun violence or safety.

Summary

House Bill 4782 seeks to amend West Virginia law by placing limitations on the ability of municipalities to regulate the sale and storage of firearms, ammunition, and related personal defense tools. Specifically, the bill declares that any municipal ordinance that imposes restrictions on the sale of firearms or ammunition is void if such restrictions are more stringent than those applied to other types of businesses. This legislation primarily aims to ensure that businesses related to firearms are treated equally with other businesses, thereby reducing what proponents consider discriminatory zoning practices against gun sales.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4782 appears to be deeply divided. Supporters, including many Second Amendment advocates and certain business owners in the firearms industry, view the bill as a vital protection of individual rights and a means to foster economic opportunity within the firearms retail sector. Conversely, opponents, including some advocacy groups and local government representatives, express concerns that the bill undermines local governance and could lead to a decrease in public safety measures. This divergence highlights ongoing tensions between state and local authority on legislation affecting community safety.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the bill relates to its provisions that explicitly prohibit municipalities from restricting the location of firearms sales in relation to schools or other commercial properties. Critics argue that such regulations are essential to ensuring public safety, especially in the wake of rising gun violence. Furthermore, the bill's language around declaring certain municipal ordinances void raises the concern that local governments may be stripped of the necessary tools to manage their communities effectively. This opposition underscores the complexities of balancing rights to bear arms with the responsibilities that come with community governance.

Companion Bills

WV SB321

Similar To Limiting municipalities’ authority to restrict purchase and storage of weapons and ammunition

Previously Filed As

WV HB3354

To authorize municipalities to combine operations with other municipalities and counties to provide governmental services

WV HB3170

Prohibiting municipalities in their permitting from charging other government entities for rights of way within municipal boundaries that are at least fifteen feet above ground level at their lowest point

WV SB608

Correcting list of items which are considered deadly weapons

WV HB2187

Updating the definition of ammunition relating to carry concealed weapons

WV HB2549

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

WV HB2188

To allow those who are 18-20 years old to carry a deadly weapon concealed without a permit, as is allowed for those who are 21 or older

WV SB291

Eliminating restriction to carry firearm on State Capitol Complex grounds

WV HB3103

To eliminate the restriction to carry a firearm on the state capitol complex grounds

WV SB184

Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency

WV HB2550

Relating to Off Duty LEO and LEOSA Exemptions

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