Due to the complex nature of the laws from state-to-state, when towns and cities make local rulings in regards to gun laws, it can get even more confusing to have separate laws within one state. In West Virginia, there are limitations upon municipalities’ power to restrict the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carrying, transport, sale, and storage of certain weapons and ammunition.
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Some laws that may be different from state to state include, but are not limited to, the allowance of open versus concealed carry, the recognition of a concealed handgun license or permit, specific prohibited carry locations, how to carry in a vehicle, and definitions regarding the term “concealed” and “loaded” or “unloaded.”
In West Virginia, a municipality may enact and enforce a rule that prohibits a person from carrying or possessing a firearm openly or that is not lawfully concealed in a municipally owned or operated building. This includes a courthouse, city hall, convention center, administrative building, or similar building used for a municipal purpose permitted by state law. A municipally owned recreation facility includes municipal swimming pools, recreation centers, sports facilities, or after-school program where children are present are also included.
This local ruling will not allow the prohibition of a person with a valid concealed handgun license or permit from carrying a lawfully possessed firearm into a recreation facility and securely storing the firearm out of view during their time at the facility.
Otherwise, a person may keep a lawfully possessed firearm in a motor vehicle if the vehicle is locked and the firearm is out of view.
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