HB3325 would add a new section to West Virginia’s dangerous weapons laws requiring certain firearms to be stored safely when a person knows or reasonably should know that a minor under 16 is likely to gain access to the firearm without permission or required supervision. In those circumstances, a loaded firearm on premises under the person’s control must be kept in a securely locked box or container, in a reasonably secure location, or secured with a trigger lock, unless the firearm is being carried on the person or kept so close that it can be used as if carried.
The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations. A person who fails to store a firearm as required commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $500, jail for up to one year, or both. If that failure allows a minor to access the firearm and the minor then possesses or exhibits it in a public place or in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, the offense is also a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill includes an exception when the minor obtains the firearm through an unlawful entry by another person.
Impact
HB3325 would amend West Virginia Code Chapter 61, Article 7 by creating a new safe-storage requirement for firearms and establishing related misdemeanor offenses and penalties. It would affect firearm owners and others who control premises where loaded firearms are kept, especially in households where minors may have access, and it would define “minor” for this section as a person under 16. The bill would also add an exception for firearms obtained through unlawful entry, limiting liability in burglary-type situations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears to be preventive and public-safety oriented. The measure is framed as a child-access prevention and safe-storage bill, suggesting support from those concerned about accidental shootings, youth access, and firearm security. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded vote history are included in the provided context.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether the bill imposes an undue burden on lawful gun owners by criminalizing storage practices and creating liability when minors access firearms. Supporters would emphasize reducing accidental injuries and unauthorized access by children, while critics may object to the misdemeanor penalties, the “reasonably should know” standard, and the scope of the storage requirement. The exception for unlawful entry may also be relevant to debate because it limits liability when a firearm is taken during a break-in.