As of right now, on July 1, West Virginia has a campus carry law.
Though our 7NEWS legal expert Diana Crutchfield says colleges and universities still have many options to regulate the locations in which someone can carry them hidden, the measure will theoretically lead to more legal guns on campus.
The most notable locations where institutions can restrict firearms are stadiums or arenas that hold more than 1000 people, childcare centers located on the premises, as well as spaces like disciplinary hearing rooms and locations where it is illegal for anybody to own a handgun under federal or state law.
“I think the legislature tried to cover as many bases as they could for exceptions and to give the institutions some room to restrict the use and possession of guns on their campus. And they did that with about a dozen exceptions.”
DIANA CRUTCHFIELD, ATTORNEY
Gun restrictions are also applicable to on-campus living halls; however, they do not apply to common facilities such as study areas, dining halls, or lounges. The law mandates that colleges provide safe spaces for storing firearms even if they decide to restrict the number of firearms allowed in residence halls.
The law also permits schools and universities to restrict concealed carry in high-hazard and animal laboratories, secure portions of facilities used by law enforcement, and locations where patient care or mental health counseling is offered.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
