The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved legislation that will provide protections for firearm industry businesses and law-abiding gun owners during a declared state of emergency. Senate Bill 458, sponsored by state Senator Rupie Phillips (R-7), adds a new section to West Virginia’s “Emergency Powers of the Governor” statute to protect the rights of law-biding gun owners and the lawful commerce of firearm and ammunition products during a declared state of emergency.

SB 458 would prohibit the governor from closing or limiting operational hours for any business engaged in the lawful sale or servicing of any firearms, ammunition and components, unless the same restriction applied to all forms of commerce within that jurisdiction. Additionally, SB 458 would also prevent a governor from closing or limiting the operating hours of any lawful shooting range.

SB 458 will now head to the full Senate for consideration. Contact your state senator and respectfully urge him or her to vote “YES” when SB 458 comes up for a vote. Find out who represents you in the West Virginia Senate by using the NSSF^® Legislative Action Center (scroll down to “State or Territory” to find your “State Senator”).