West Virginia House Bill HR9

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Resolution to not support any infringement upon the 2nd Amendment

Impact

The adoption of HR9 is primarily symbolic and serves to express the legislature's stance on gun rights at both the state and federal levels. By reinforcing existing laws that protect the right to bear arms, it aims to prevent any future legislative efforts that the sponsors perceive as threatening to individual liberties regarding firearm possession. This could impact state laws by bolstering the current statutes that advocate for gun rights and potentially inform future legislative discussions on gun control policies.

Summary

House Resolution 9, introduced by Delegate Longanacre, advocates for the protection of the Second Amendment rights of West Virginians. The resolution requests United States Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito to oppose any form of infringement on the right to bear arms, specifically naming 'Red Flag Laws' as a significant concern. The resolution emphasizes the importance of the Second Amendment as an individual right, reiterated through both federal and West Virginia state constitutions, highlighting the commitment of the House of Delegates to uphold this right without compromise.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR9 reflects a strong pro-gun rights perspective common among many Republican legislators and constituents in West Virginia. The resolution fosters a sense of urgency against perceived federal overreach concerning gun control. However, it may also alienate those who argue for more stringent gun regulations, especially in light of recent discussions surrounding gun violence and public safety, indicating a sharp division in public opinion on gun rights and regulation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR9 include its outright rejection of any proposal that could be interpreted as infringing on Second Amendment rights. This has stirred debate among advocacy groups and citizens who support gun control measures, particularly 'Red Flag Laws' that aim to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The resolution's unwavering stance against such measures reflects a broader national discourse on gun control, illustrating the tension between safeguarding personal liberties and addressing community safety concerns.