CHARLESTON —
West Virginians could sue if the government tries to confiscate their guns or ammunition during declared states of emergency, through a measure advancing this legislative session.
A unanimous House of Delegates voted Friday to clarify a 2007 law meant to protect firearm ownership during such times. The bill heads to the Senate.
A number of states enacted such laws after New Orleans police confiscated guns while trying to restore order following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The National Rifle Association has championed such measures. House Judiciary Chairman Tim Miley said the NRA endorsed Friday’s follow-up bill.
Miley’s committee advanced the bill last week, after amending it so the law applies both to federal- and state-declared emergencies.
House Speaker Rick Thompson sponsored the bill along with Miley and five other Democrats.
Today's Front Page
W.Va. House votes to update gun-rights law
- Today's Front Page
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Wanted: A moderate speaker in the House
Rick Thompson’s sudden departure as speaker of the House of Delegates triggered a flurry of politicking by a handful of fellow lawmakers, all eager to take the gavel from him next month in a special session.
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One more month for stormwater management facility
A familiar scene was found Wednesday afternoon on Robert C. Byrd Drive near the Ewart Avenue intersection, as heavy rains once again flooded the area and created troublesome driving conditions.
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Veterans get warm welcome in Rainelle
Roaring into town on motorcycles of all descriptions, veterans participating in the annual Run for the Wall received a warm welcome in Rainelle.
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Turnpike officials expect major traffic issues for Jamboree and FOC Auto Fair
For a week or so, the Beckley area just might resemble the bumper-to-bumper crawl of traffic in a major metropolis and the West Virginia Turnpike is taking steps now in an effort to keep travelers moving in and out of the Boy Scouts complex for a Jamboree in July.
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Cold front to bring nippy conditions
The calendar says it’s nearly time for the unofficial start of summer, but late tonight and early Saturday, the area could break record low temperatures.
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Independence senior quiet, artistic, humorous
Independence High School graduating senior Rebecca “Becky” Smith, from the outskirts of Slab Fork, is the type of student who doesn’t cause waves.
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Familiar flooding
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Governor names Bowling state DHHR secretary
Former hospital executive and nurse Karen Bowling will become West Virginia’s Health and Human Resources secretary on July 1, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Wednesday, taking over a sprawling department recently scrutinized by an audit and assigned the daunting task of expanding the state’s Medicaid program.
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Health care professional no stranger to southern W.Va.
The new secretary of West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources is certainly no stranger to southern West Virginia. In fact, she has grown up and served the region for a number of years in various capacities across the broad spectrum of the health care industry.
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