(WTRF) West Virginia Governor signed the campus carry bill into law on Wednesday.
Gov. Justice said this bill will help strengthen the 2nd Amendment protections in West Virginia.
The Governor was joined at the ceremony by members of the NRA and other government officials.
“I’m proud to sign the Campus Self-Defense Act which will strengthen 2nd Amendment protections in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginia now joins 11 other U.S. states, including Texas and Utah, that have had this legislation for years. I’ve always said I will do everything I can to protect West Virginia’s 2nd Amendment rights, and with this law, West Virginia will continue to be a national leader. I sincerely thank the Legislature for passing this bill overwhelmingly and the National Rifle Association for their support.”
Now that the West Virginia Campus Carry Bill has been signed into law, what comes next?
‘We need to stand rock solid by who we are and by the second amendment and all the greatness that we are in this great stat and the send the message to the world, by God if you wanna mess with us, we can mess back, ‘ Gov. Justice said.
Justice added, “The last thing in the world that I want is a campus that has signs posted. You know, ‘this is completely a no weapons zone,’” Justice said. “Because there will be the only people who show up with weapons are the bad guys, and we don’t want we don’t want people just showing up as the bad guys because it puts our people in a very vulnerable position.”
“The Campus Self-Defense Act recognizes the fact that danger doesn’t disappear just because you’ve stepped onto campus grounds,” said NRA’s West Virginia State Director Art Thomm. “Now, those who choose to exercise the right will have the ability to protect themselves, their classmates, and their loved ones should they need.”
The “Campus Self-Defense Act,” allows an individual holding current and valid license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the campus and in the buildings of state institutions of higher education.
It allows institutions to limit the carrying of concealed firearms at organized events taking place at a stadium or arena with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators, daycare facilities located on university property and a few other exceptions.
The bill only permits the concealed carrying of a pistol or revolver.
People against the bill say that they believe the bill would bring more injuries and violence to college campuses, as well as be unfair to students.
The law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
