Allowing constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds
Summary
HB 4106 allows adults ages 18 to 20 to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under West Virginia’s constitutional carry framework. The bill appears to extend the state’s permitless carry rules to this younger adult age group, aligning their rights more closely with those of adults 21 and older who already may carry without a license under current law.
Because the bill text is not available in the provided materials, the precise statutory edits cannot be quoted here, but the caption and legislative action indicate that it amends West Virginia firearms law to remove age-based barriers for concealed carry by 18- to 20-year-olds. The bill was enacted and became effective ninety days from passage on June 12, 2026.
Impact
The bill changes state firearms law by expanding permitless concealed carry eligibility to 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds, affecting young adults, law enforcement, firearm owners, and any agencies that administer or enforce concealed carry restrictions. It likely modifies provisions in the state code governing concealed handgun carry, licensing, and age qualifications, while leaving other firearm prohibitions and federal restrictions unchanged.
Sentiment
The bill received strong support in both chambers, passing the House and Senate by wide margins and ultimately clearing the legislature after amendments. The vote totals suggest broad Republican support and some bipartisan backing, though a minority of members opposed the measure at each stage. Overall, the legislative sentiment appears favorable toward expanding gun rights for young adults.
Contention
The main point of contention is the policy choice to extend constitutional carry to 18- to 20-year-olds, with opponents likely concerned about public safety, maturity, and the implications of allowing younger adults to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Supporters likely framed the bill as a Second Amendment and equal-treatment issue, arguing that adults who are old enough to serve in the military or otherwise be treated as adults should also be allowed to carry without a license. The repeated but limited opposition in roll-call votes indicates disagreement over the age threshold rather than the broader concept of constitutional carry.