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West VirginiaHB 31812025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Allow all law enforcement officers to purchase gun upon retirement

Sponsored By: Gary G. Howell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§30-29-15

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Departing officers get conditional handgun purchases

Beginning July 11, 2025, West Virginia agencies must offer eligible departing law-enforcement officers, chiefs, and officials their issued handgun at cost. This covers leaving an agency or ending an elected term, not just retirement. The agency must find the departure honorable. No disciplinary complaint, investigation, or action by the agency or its subcommittee can be pending. Agencies cannot sell to someone they know state or federal law bars from possessing firearms. Sales are also barred when agencies reasonably believe the person is mentally incapacitated or poses a danger to anyone or the community. Handguns include pistols and revolvers; the law sets no dollar price. Existing laws authorizing firearm awards to officers remain unchanged.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gary G. Howell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Scot C. Heckert

    Republican • House

  • Betsy Kelly

    Republican • House

  • Linville

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Keith Marple

    Republican • House

  • Ian T. Masters

    Republican • House

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • Jonathan Pinson

    Republican • House

  • Bill Ridenour

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey Stephens

    Republican • House

  • Ward

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Senate receded and passed (Roll No. 592)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Passed Senate (Roll No. 490)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2025

Passed House (Roll No. 283)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 161, Acts, Regular Session, 2025

    7/31/2025House

  2. Approved by Governor 4/28/2025

    4/28/2025House

  3. To Governor 4/22/2025

    4/22/2025House

  4. House received Senate message

    4/12/2025House

  5. House refused to concur; requested Senate to recede (Voice)

    4/12/2025House

  6. Communicated to Senate

    4/12/2025House

  7. House Message received

    4/12/2025Senate

  8. Senate receded and passed (Roll No. 592)

    4/12/2025Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    4/12/2025Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    4/12/2025Senate

  11. To Governor 4/22/2025 - House Journal

    4/12/2025House

  12. To Governor 4/22/2025 - Senate Journal

    4/12/2025Senate

  13. Approved by Governor 4/28/2025 - House Journal

    4/12/2025House

  14. Approved by Governor 4/28/2025 - Senate Journal

    4/12/2025Senate

  15. On 3rd reading

    4/11/2025Senate

  16. Read 3rd time

    4/11/2025Senate

  17. Passed Senate (Roll No. 490)

    4/11/2025Senate

  18. Title amendment adopted

    4/11/2025Senate

  19. Senate requests House to concur

    4/11/2025Senate

  20. On 2nd reading

    4/10/2025Senate

  21. Read 2nd time

    4/10/2025Senate

  22. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    4/10/2025Senate

  23. Reported do pass, with amendment

    4/9/2025Senate

  24. Immediate consideration

    4/9/2025Senate

  25. Read 1st time

    4/9/2025Senate

Bill Text

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