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West VirginiaHB 41062026 Regular SessionHouse

Allowing constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds

Sponsored By: Chuck Horst (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§61-7-3§61-7-6§61-7-7§61-7-8

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher penalties for prohibited gun possession

The law lists who cannot have guns, such as many felons, unlawful drug users, people adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed, people here unlawfully, those dishonorably discharged, and some under domestic violence orders or convictions. If you are banned and possess a gun, it is a misdemeanor with a $100–$1,000 fine or 90 days to 1 year in jail, or both. If you were convicted of a violent or sexual felony, or certain serious drug felonies, any gun possession is a felony with up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine, or both. If you are banned under subsection (a) and carry concealed, it is a felony with up to 3 years and a $5,000 fine. If you are banned under subsection (b) and carry concealed, it is a felony with up to 10 years and a $10,000 fine.

18–20-year-olds can carry concealed

Adults age 18 to 20 can carry a concealed deadly weapon without a license. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You must not be barred under state law or under 18 U.S.C. §922(g) or (n). If you are disqualified, you still cannot carry.

Court path to restore gun rights

If you are barred under subsection (a), you can ask the circuit court where you live to restore your right to possess a gun. The judge must find, by clear and convincing evidence, that you are competent and that federal law allows your possession. People barred for mental adjudication or commitment must use a separate restoration process under §61-7A-5. If your disqualifying conviction is expunged or set aside, or you get an unconditional pardon, you are no longer barred.

Rules for minors with guns

Under 18 and not married or emancipated? You cannot possess or carry a deadly weapon. A minor may have a gun on family property. A minor may have a gun on someone else’s property with a parent or guardian’s permission and the owner’s OK. A minor may also have a gun while lawfully hunting or traveling to or from a hunt. If a minor breaks these rules, the case goes to juvenile court and the minor may be adjudicated delinquent.

No license fees for judges and prosecutors

Judges, retired judges with senior status, family court judges, magistrates, prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, and prosecutor investigators do not pay application or license fees. They still must apply and meet handgun safety and training rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chuck Horst

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Eric Brooks

    Republican • House

  • Mark Dean

    Republican • House

  • Josh Holstein

    Republican • House

  • Laura Kimble

    Republican • House

  • Phil Mallow

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

  • Ian T. Masters

    Republican • House

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • Bill Ridenour

    Republican • House

  • Bryan Ward

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 323 • No: 31

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 596)

Yes: 89 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 701)

Yes: 31 • No: 3

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 688)

Yes: 85 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 530)

Yes: 31 • No: 3

House vote • 2/17/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 101)

Yes: 87 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/2026

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House refused to agree to Senate title amendment (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026House

  5. House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 596)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Motion to reconsider

    3/14/2026House

  7. House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 688)

    3/14/2026House

  8. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  9. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 701)

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  12. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  13. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  14. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  15. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  16. On 3rd reading with right to amend

    3/13/2026Senate

  17. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  18. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026Senate

  19. Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 530)

    3/13/2026Senate

  20. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  21. Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment

    3/12/2026Senate

  22. Immediate consideration

    3/12/2026Senate

  23. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  24. Without recommendation, but first rereferred to Judiciary

    3/11/2026Senate

  25. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

Bill Text

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