On Saturday night, the Legislature adjourned sine die from its 2022 session. During this session, they passed House Bill 4048, the WV Keep, Bear and Drive with Arms Act, and sent it to Governor Jim Justice for his signature. On March 9th, Governor Jim Justice signed HB 4048 into law. It will go into effect on May 24th, 90 days from passage.
The WV Keep, Bear and Drive with Arms Act affirms that it is lawful to possess loaded and/or uncased long guns in vehicles. This ensures that law-abiding citizens may carry the firearms of their choice, in the manner of their choosing, with them in vehicles. Given that West Virginia already has constitutional carry, law-abiding gun owners should be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights with long guns while traveling throughout the state.
NRA thanks lead bill sponsor Delegate Charles Horst (R-62), Governor Jim Justice, and all the lawmakers who supported this bill that keeps West Virginia at the forefront of protecting and advancing Second Amendment rights. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates.
