Campus Carry in West Virginia 

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. FURTHER, READERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING ALL THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR THEMSELVES AND SHOULD SPEAK WITH A COMPETENT ATTORNEY IN THEIR STATE. 

Are there differences between private and public colleges and universities? 

Beginning in July of 2024 from Senate Bill 10, students in West Virginia 21 years of age or older are permitted to conceal carry a handgun in any private or public college, including but not limited to lounges, study areas, or dining areas. Colleges will be required to provide secure storage in at least one residence hall or make safes available in residence hall rooms. Open carry on campus will be prohibited. Carry in residence rooms may be prohibited, subject to the decision of each campus. Carry in venues with a capacity of 5000 or more persons is also prohibited. Students may not carry in areas conducting healthcare services and treatment. 

What can students do to appeal for their Second Amendment rights if they are on an unfriendly campus? 

Students have the opportunity to advocate for their right to carry a firearm in certain areas such as residence rooms by appealing to school officials. Most higher education institutions allow students to write to officials in request for changes on campus. Students may also petition to the West Virginia state government in request that legislation be passed to remove the specific restrictions placed on specific areas and manners of carrying a firearm. 

What would the penalty be if a student is found with a weapon on campus grounds? 

Students may face disciplinary action by the college or university depending on their individual policies in regard to campus carry in only residence halls. Violations of other restrictions enacted by the bill may be subject to fines of up to $5000 under West Virginia Code section 571.107.1. 

For campuses who would allow campus carry but are prevented from doing so by their state law, what are some things the university can do to aid students? 

All campuses in West Virginia have the opportunity to permit campus carry and are not prevented by law from doing so. If these campuses wish to expand the areas that students are allowed to carry within by law, they may petition to the state government in request that the law be changed.