WV GUN LAW WV House Votes To Update Gun Rights Law
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Feb. 22, 2013 3:27 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 22, 2013 7:58 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
West Virginians could sue if the government tries to confiscate their guns or ammunition during declared states of emergency, through a measure advancing this legislative session.
A unanimous House of Delegates voted Friday to clarify a 2007 law meant to protect firearm ownership during such times. The bill heads to the Senate.
A number of states enacted such laws after New Orleans police confiscated guns while trying to restore order following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The National Rifle Association has championed such measures. House Judiciary Chairman Tim Miley said the NRA endorsed Friday's follow-up bill.
Miley's committee advanced the bill last week, after amending it so the law applies both to federal- and state-declared emergencies.
House Speaker Rick Thompson sponsored the bill along with Miley and five other Democrats.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
EKU giving buyout packages to 127 workers May 21, 2013 5:09 PM EDT Eastern Kentucky University says it's giving buyout packages to 127 employees who applied for them and were accepted.
Ohio school shooting victims' families sue charity May 21, 2013 7:28 PM EDT Relatives of three teenagers killed in an Ohio school shooting are suing a charity that maintains a fund set up to benefit victims' families and support the well-being of students and others in the affected community.