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Senate Bill 10, the West Virginia Self-Defense Act or the Campus Self-defense act (§18B-4-5b), was signed into law in the Spring of 2023. The law will allow those with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in designated areas on the Mountwest campus starting July 1, 2024. The bill only permits the concealed carrying of a pistol or revolver.
Licenses to carry a concealed weapon are issued by the State of West Virginia pursuant to §61-7-4, §61-7-4a or recognized by §61-7-6a of the WV Code. The bill also prevents institutions like Mountwest, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission or the Community and Technical College System, from implementing policies that restrict concealed carry.
A person who holds a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon is permitted to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the campus and in the buildings of a state institution of higher education.
This subsection only applies to areas of the campus and buildings of a state institution of higher education under the custodial possession of the state institution of higher education and does not include areas rented, leased, or under an exclusive agreement for the full-time occupancy and use of a private entity.
Areas exempted from concealed carry as laid out by state law and campus policy include:
Mountwest requires that individuals who are licensed to carry concealed handguns do so in a manner that is consistent with state law while on campus. “On or about their person” means that license holders are permitted to carry a holstered handgun in a bag such as a backpack or handbag, provided the bag is within immediate reach and does not require the license holder to significantly alter their position to take control of it. The holster should fully enclose the trigger area and be secure enough to retain the handgun even if subjected to unexpected movement. License holders are prohibited from carrying a handgun that is partially or fully visible on college grounds, which includes buildings, classrooms, labs, streets, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, parking structures, and any other parking areas on campus.
July 1, 2024
“Campus Carry” is the common name for the law that authorizes a license holder to carry a concealed handgun at institutions of higher education in West Virginia.
The difference between campus carry and open carry lies in their regulations regarding the carrying of handguns:
In summary, campus carry allows concealed carry with a valid license, while open carry pertains to openly displaying handguns and is prohibited on college campuses in West Virginia.
There are 12 exceptions to the campus carry law and those are the only times a gun-free zone can be established.
Prior to entering a restricted area or event, firearms must be stored in a concealed manner in the owner’s vehicle. If you did not drive or have access to a vehicle, please note it is the responsibility of the firearm owner to predetermine if they are/will be entering a restricted area before bringing the firearm to campus.
Contact Public Safety at pellr@mctc.edu or 304-710-3499.
No. Senate Bill 10, also known as the Campus Self-Defense Act, permits individuals with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in specific areas on Mountwest’s campuses and centers. However, it’s important to note that this law does not allow everyone to carry a concealed weapon; it applies only to those with a valid license.
To be eligible for a concealed handgun license (CHL) in West Virginia, a person must meet the following requirements:
The WV statute covers only handguns. A handgun is a pistol, revolver or other firearm the length of the barrel, which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches. Other weapons -rifles or shotguns – are not permitted in campus buildings.
Rodney Pell
Chief Operations Officer
pellr@mctc.edu
304-710-3499