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CHARLESTON, WV — A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates aims to expand concealed carry rights to include primary and secondary school grounds. House Bill 2650, introduced on February 20, 2025, would amend existing law to allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed handgun on school property.
Current Law and Proposed Changes
Under current West Virginia law (§61-7-11a), it is generally unlawful to possess a firearm on school grounds, with limited exceptions. These exceptions include law enforcement officers, school-sanctioned educational programs involving firearms, and individuals who keep an unloaded firearm locked in a vehicle.
HB 2650 proposes an amendment that would extend an additional exception to concealed carry permit holders, allowing them to carry a concealed handgun in or on the grounds of any public or private primary or secondary school. The bill allows individuals with a concealed carry permit to carry a handgun on school grounds, but it does not clearly specify whether this applies primarily to school staff, parents, or other visitors. If passed, it would mark a significant change in West Virginia’s current school safety policies by allowing legally armed individuals on school property, which is generally prohibited under existing law.
Rationale and Legislative Support
The bill is sponsored by a group of Republican delegates, including Horst, Masters, D. Smith, Coop-Gonzalez, Hornby, Worrell, Maynor, Crouse, White, and Bridges. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing legally armed citizens on school property could enhance safety by providing an immediate response option in the event of a violent attack.
Many gun rights advocates argue that “gun-free zones” create soft targets for criminals, leaving students and staff defenseless in the event of an attack. Lawfully armed citizens stop violent threats regularly, as we report on USACarry.com almost daily. Supporters of this bill believe that allowing concealed carry on school grounds could provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that trained individuals are prepared to respond if a threat arises. Similar laws exist in states like Texas and Utah, where trained teachers and other licensed individuals are permitted to carry firearms on school property. A recently introduced Idaho bill follows the same principle, with its sponsor emphasizing the need to eliminate gun-free zones that leave schools vulnerable.
Next Steps for HB 2650
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Education, followed by the Judiciary Committee, where it will be debated and potentially amended before a vote is taken. If it passes both committees, it will move to the full House of Delegates for consideration.
West Virginia has been at the forefront of expanding gun rights in recent years, having adopted constitutional carry laws and campus carry provisions for colleges. If HB 2650 becomes law, it would further solidify the state’s pro-Second Amendment stance by extending those rights to K-12 school property.
A Look at Self-Defense and School Safety
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, school safety remains a top priority for communities across the country. While law enforcement response times can vary in emergencies, allowing trained and legally armed individuals on school grounds could provide an additional layer of security.
For those who carry, proper training in high-stress decision-making and firearm retention is crucial, especially in environments where children are present. Whether HB 2650 passes or not, responsible gun owners should stay informed on legal changes and best practices for self-defense in public settings.
The debate over firearms in schools is likely to continue as states navigate the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety concerns.
